Patients' perspectives on medical information: results of an informal survey

The autonomy of patients in making medical decisions is increasingly recognised globally, but is not fully adhered to in India. Information is the first step for a patient to be able to make a decision on his or her health care. The objective of this survey was to ascertain patients' perspectives on the amount of information given to them by health professionals. The results of interviews with 222 patients show that perspectives vary, often according to the diagnosis. The amount of information given and the manner in which it is given are often not acceptable to the patient.