The impact of a physician’s recommendation and gender on informed decision making: A randomized controlled study in a simulated decision situation

摘要

Objective This study examined the influence of physicians’ recommendations and gender on the decision‐making process in a preference‐sensitive situation. Methods N?=?201 participants were put in a hypothetical scenario in which they suffered from a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). They received general information on two equally successful treatment options for this injury (surgery vs physiotherapy) and answered questions regarding their treatment preference, certainty and satisfaction regarding their decision and attitude towards the treatment options. Then, participants watched a video that differed regarding physician's recommendation (surgery vs physiotherapy) and physician's gender (female vs male voice and picture). Afterwards, they indicated again their treatment preference, certainty, satisfaction and attitude, as well as the physician's professional and social competence. Results Participants changed their treatment preferences in the direction of the physician's recommendation (P ?