Choosing Wisely Italy: online survey on opinions and behaviors of 1006 people and 355 volunteers of healthcare advocacy associations. (19th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mosconi, Paola; Roberto, Anna; Braga, Franca; Napoli, Lucia; Anelli, Marco; Colombo, Cinzia
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 29:Number 3(2019)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2018-11-19
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky236
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: Background: In the framework of ' Doing more does not mean doing better - Choosing Wisely Italy ' health professionals, general population and healthcare advocacy associations are widely involved. PartecipaSalute-Mario Negri IRCCS and Altronconsumo organized a survey in order to assess the opinions and behaviors of people toward unnecessary tests and drugs. Methods: An online survey was distributed by Altroconsumo to a voluntary panel of 6304 Italian citizens covering the whole of the country and by PartecipaSalute-Mario Negri IRCCS through the PartecipaSalute website, e-mail lists, website articles, lay journals and Facebook. Results: In all 1006 people reached by Altroconsumo, and 355 volunteers of healthcare advocacy associations reached by PartecipaSalute responded. Respondents usually decides on their treatment together with the physician, respectively 50% for general population and 64% for volunteers of healthcare advocacy associations. The respondents are aware of the question of over-use of drugs and tests (80%), more often among the volunteers of healthcare advocacy associations (86%). Over-use is considered a problem mostly for economic reasons among the general population, while in the advocacy associations the risks for patients' health is considered more important. Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients do not always ask for more, especially if they receive an answer to their questions and clarifications about unnecessary treatments. There is a need for further understanding of the factors influencing decision-making aimed at achieving good care. Engaging the public and patients at all levels of healthcare is essential for a valuable use of health resources.