Factors Associated with Evidence-Based Decision-Making Among Patients and Providers

For comparative effectiveness research to achieve its purpose, providers and patients must use research evidence to make medical decisions. Therefore, this study examined factors associated with evidence-based decision-making by patients and providers. Data were collected via cross-sectional online surveys of patients (n = 603) and providers (n = 628) between November 2011 and January 2012. For both patients and providers, evidence-based medical decision-making is associated with perceptions, that is, some combination of self efficacy, attitudes and opinions. However, whereas knowledge is the most consistent factor associated with decision-making for providers, it is not associated at all for patients. Efforts to promote evidence-based medical decision-making among patients and providers should focus on skills training to improve self efficacy, and messages that highlight the benefits of patient engagement in medical decisions.