How Should the Impact of Different Presentations of Treatment Effects on Patient Choice Be Evaluated? A Pilot Randomized Trial

Authors: Cheryl Carling, Doris Tove Kristoffersen, Jeph Herrin, Shaun Treweek, Andrew D. Oxman, Holger Schünemann, Elie A. Akl, Victor Montori

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003693

Abstract Summary

Internet trial of 770 participants found that presenting statin benefits as relative risk reduction (RRR) led people to choose treatment 3-5 times more often than absolute measures, regardless of their personal values. Though most preferred RRR format, it distorted decision-making compared to absolute measures like number-needed-to-treat or natural frequencies.

Why Brain? 🧠

Study shows relative risk reduction misleads patients about statin benefits compared to absolute measures, causing choices inconsistent with their values—supporting use of absolute risk formats.

License: CC BY.

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