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Table 7 Involving patients in the referral decision

From: Elective surgical referral guidelines - background educational material or essential shared decision making tool? A survey of GPs' in England

Statement

Agree

Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree

I feel that sharing decision making with patients is an important principle

88.4

6.2

3.9

I feel "competent" in involving patients in decision making

79.1

12.4

5.5

I frequently involve patients in decision making

75.3

7

6.2

I have found that patients respond positively to involvement in decision making

74.4

15.5

8.6

Lack of time is a major problem in discussing treatment decisions with patients

58.9

24

14.9

I feel confident in discussing risk information about treatments with patients

55.8

23.3

15.5

Lack of available data** is a major problem in trying to share decisions

47.3

34.9

15.5

Many of my patients expect specific information to be provided in discussions about treatments

44.2

32.6

20.9

I feel my role is to direct patients rather than discuss risk information about treatments

17.1

22.5

55.8

  1. ** Available data" refers to local or national information on referral processes or evidence for benefits of referral