CHOICE DAMAGES GPS IMAGE
Released 28/08/2008
Study reveals patient choice can undermine GPs
Increasing patient choice could damage the public's trust in GPs, a study has revealed.
Researchers are the University of Surrey found that ultimately, choice can create scepticism and damage public trust in GPs.
While patients value choice as they like to feel in control of their medical care, but the report claims that this need is often satisfied by GPs answering questions questions.
Many patients questioned said they would prefer to trust their doctors' judgement than to make the decisions themselves.
The study warned that by offering patients a box-ticking exercise could give them an unnecessary burden at a time they are vulnerable.