What benefits will choice bring to patients? Literature review and assessment of implications

Abstract

Although patients may themselves make limited use of choices, the existence of choice may, in theory, stimulate providers to improve quality of care. Patients do, however, want to be more involved in individual decisions about their own treatment, and generally participate much less in these decisions than they would wish.

Depression and anxiety in inflammatory bowel disease: A review of comorbidity and management

“…There appear to be advantages to providing the preferred form of care when it is available, as this can facilitate adherence to treatment recommendations. 95,97,111 This process of reviewing treatment choices with the patient and then following up on treatment decisions is outlined in Tables 1 and 3. Table 3 emphasizes the importance of following up after treatment has been implemented to monitor response to the planned intervention.…”

A Qualitative Study of Choosing Home Health Care After Hospitalization: The Unintended Consequences of ‘Patient Choice’ Requirements

“…5,[13][14][15] On the other hand, surveys indicate an increase in consumers' use of public reports, 16 and consumers express a desire to have access to information that helps to make or affirm healthcare decisions. 17,18 Increasing awareness and use of public reports is especially timely for home health agencies, given state and national policies that encourage providers and payers to ensure that patients receive care in the least-restrictive setting possible. [19][20][21] This includes shifting patients from acute and long-term care facilities to home-based and community-based services, 20 including home care, while simultaneously implementing programs designed to reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization and lower expenditures.…”

Liberdade de Escolha no Serviço Nacional de Saúde - o Caso do VIH

“…2 A liberdade de escolha é um luxo, que aproveitam aqueles que, pelo seu capital económico, social e cultural, conseguem perceber o sistema de saúde, dialogar com os seus profissionais, e tomar decisões.…”

“…2 Os hospitais mais pequenos, periféricos, ficarão então com os doentes que não podem escolher, por falta de dinheiro ou de conhecimentos. O que acontecerá com estes doentes se o seu hospital de proximidade é obrigado a fechar por 'falta de clientes'?…”