Evidence that consumers are skeptical about evidence-based health care.
We undertook focus groups, interviews, and an online survey with health care consumers as part of a recent project to assist purchasers in communicating more effectively about health care evidence and quality. Most of the consumers were ages 18-64; had health insurance through a current employer; and had taken part in making decisions about health insurance coverage for themselves, their spouse, or someone else. We found many of these consumers' beliefs, values, and knowledge to be at odds with what policy makers prescribe as evidence-based health care. Few consumers understood terms such as "medical evidence" or "quality guidelines." Most believed that more care meant higher-quality, better care. The gaps in knowledge and misconceptions point to serious challenges in engaging consumers in evidence-based decision making.
American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC, USA. kcarman@air.org
Kristin L
KL
Carman
Maureen
M
Maurer
Jill Mathews
JM
Yegian
Pamela
P
Dardess
Jeanne
J
McGee
Mark
M
Evers
Karen O
KO
Marlo
D000328:Adult; D003256:Community Participation; D003657:Decision Making; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006264:Health Benefit Plans, Employee; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000592:standards; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011639:Public Opinion; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014481:United States