Are Iranian patients willing to receive clinical information and participate in treatment decisions?

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which patients are willing to receive medical information about their health status and participate in medical decision-making. It also assessed the patients' satisfaction with the amount of information provided to them and their involvement in treatment decisions. Additionally, the study evaluated differences between patients' and their companions' perspectives on the necessity of informing patients about their health status. This cross-sectional study included 110 eligible patients, who were interviewed using a developed and validated questionnaire. The results revealed that Iranian patients exhibited a relatively high tendency to seek information and participate in medical decision-making. This tendency was more pronounced among women, married individuals, and patients hospitalized in private hospitals. Additionally, the companions' inclination to inform patients about their clinical condition was lower than the patients' own desire to be informed. The study concluded that doctors should create an appropriate environment for informing patients and facilitating their active participation in decisions. Furthermore, the decision regarding the extent of information provided to patients should be left to the patients themselves.