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.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
