Article type
Abstract
Background
Patients’ values and preferences are an important part of evidence-based practice. Therefore, citizens need certain skills and attitudes toward health care to be true partners in shared decision-making. In 2023, we performed a survey to assess these skills and attitudes in the Belgian general population so actions can be identified to improve them.
Objectives
To survey the Belgian general population on their skills and attitudes toward evidence-based healthcare, specifically in primary care
Methods
Based on literature review and a Delphi study, we developed a survey, which was sent out in October 2023. The survey consisted of 5 parts: use of health information sources, attitude toward health information, communication with healthcare providers, shared decision-making, and health literacy.
Results
A total of 1000 responses were collected, representative with regards to sex, language, age, and education for the Belgian population. In general, about one-third of Belgian citizens actively search for health information, and about 80% are interested in health information. Seventy-five per cent indicate that they are generally well informed about their health after a visit to their healthcare provider. Nonetheless, more than 35% indicate they sometimes still have questions, and more than 40% indicate that they are sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of information provided. Three out of five Belgians feel they are (almost) always actively involved in the decision-making process regarding their health care. Belgians consider shared decision-making to be highly important, as 90% want to discuss different options with their healthcare provider and 80% want to work as a team together with their healthcare provider. About 8 in 10 indicate that their healthcare provider is already open to listening to their preferences, and 7 in 10 say their preferences are actually taken into account in the decision-making process. A short health literacy survey, however, indicates that many Belgians still struggle to understand health information and to assess its trustworthiness.
Conclusion
This survey shows that the Belgian general population highly value being actively involved in their health decisions. However, further action is needed to improve the understandability of health information and to increase the health literacy of the Belgian population.
Patients’ values and preferences are an important part of evidence-based practice. Therefore, citizens need certain skills and attitudes toward health care to be true partners in shared decision-making. In 2023, we performed a survey to assess these skills and attitudes in the Belgian general population so actions can be identified to improve them.
Objectives
To survey the Belgian general population on their skills and attitudes toward evidence-based healthcare, specifically in primary care
Methods
Based on literature review and a Delphi study, we developed a survey, which was sent out in October 2023. The survey consisted of 5 parts: use of health information sources, attitude toward health information, communication with healthcare providers, shared decision-making, and health literacy.
Results
A total of 1000 responses were collected, representative with regards to sex, language, age, and education for the Belgian population. In general, about one-third of Belgian citizens actively search for health information, and about 80% are interested in health information. Seventy-five per cent indicate that they are generally well informed about their health after a visit to their healthcare provider. Nonetheless, more than 35% indicate they sometimes still have questions, and more than 40% indicate that they are sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of information provided. Three out of five Belgians feel they are (almost) always actively involved in the decision-making process regarding their health care. Belgians consider shared decision-making to be highly important, as 90% want to discuss different options with their healthcare provider and 80% want to work as a team together with their healthcare provider. About 8 in 10 indicate that their healthcare provider is already open to listening to their preferences, and 7 in 10 say their preferences are actually taken into account in the decision-making process. A short health literacy survey, however, indicates that many Belgians still struggle to understand health information and to assess its trustworthiness.
Conclusion
This survey shows that the Belgian general population highly value being actively involved in their health decisions. However, further action is needed to improve the understandability of health information and to increase the health literacy of the Belgian population.