Going against the status quo in screening

Abstract

} Over the past decade, decisions about screening have become more complex owing to a better understanding of potential benefits and harms. Strongly held beliefs and screening advocacy from individuals and groups point to the need to understand and consider individual patient preferences and values in screening decisions.} Many physicians, other health care providers, and learners find conflicting and misleading information on screening to be challenging.} Most screening decisions include a trade-off between potential harms and benefits.} Physicians should understand the evidence and communicate it using shared decision-making skills to arrive at an appropriate screening decision based on the individual values and preferences of their patients.