The effect of different graphical and numerical likelihood formats on perception of likelihood and choice.

Background: Quantitative risk information plays an important role in decision making about health. This study focuses on commonly used numerical and graphical formats and examines their effect on perception of different likelihoods and choice preferences.

Methods: An experimental study was conducted with 192 participants, who evaluated 2 sets of 4 lotteries.

[Indicating risks in the Dutch Cancer Society Cancer Risk Test: indicating population risks improves risk perception].

Objective: To have the Dutch Cancer Society Cancer Risk Test (KWF-KRT) assessed by users and to determine the effect of the numerical indication of risks on the perception of cancer risks.

Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Method: In total 612 persons from the general population were given a shortened test version of the KWF-KRT test for colon and lung cancer via the Internet.

Monitoring the level of government trust, risk perception and intention of the general public to adopt protective measures during the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in The Netherlands.

Background: During the course of an influenza pandemic, governments know relatively little about the possibly changing influence of government trust, risk perception, and receipt of information on the public's intention to adopt protective measures or on the acceptance of vaccination. This study aims to identify and describe possible changes in and factors associated with public's intentions during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in the Netherlands.

Methods: Sixteen cross-sectional telephone surveys were conducted (N = 8060) between April - November 2009.

Risks, trust and knowledge: determinants of pregnant women's decisions regarding participation in a future Q fever screening and treatment program during a large epidemic in The Netherlands.

Objective: Contracting Q fever during pregnancy carries a risk of developing obstetric complications. The aim of this study was to gain insight into pregnant women's decisions regarding participation in a future Q fever screening and treatment program.

Methods: Pregnant women (N = 148) in Q fever high-risk areas in The Netherlands were recruited via midwives' practices and via an online panel for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Predictors of diagnostic accuracy and safe management in difficult diagnostic problems in family medicine.

Objective: To investigate the role of information gathering and clinical experience on the diagnosis and management of difficult diagnostic problems in family medicine.

Method: Seven diagnostic scenarios including 1 to 4 predetermined features of difficulty were constructed and presented on a computer to 84 physicians: 21 residents in family medicine, 21 family physicians with 1 to 3 y in practice, and 42 family physicians with >or=10 y in practice. Following the Active Information Search process tracing approach, participants were initially presented with a patient description and presenting complaint and were subsequently able to request further information to diagnose and manage the patient.

Waiting for elective surgery: effect on physical problems and postoperative recovery.

Background: Long waiting times for elective surgery pose a threat to the quality of care. Our study aimed to assess (i) the physical symptoms and disabilities patients experience during the wait, (ii) the perceived improvements after surgery and (iii) whether problems increase during the wait or longer waits affect postoperative outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study with postoperative follow up was held among patients waiting for surgery of varicose veins (n = 176), inguinal hernia (n = 201) and gallstones (n = 128) in 27 hospitals.

The acceptability of waiting times for elective general surgery and the appropriateness of prioritising patients.

Background: Problematic waiting lists in public health care threaten the equity and timeliness of care provision in several countries. This study assesses different stakeholders' views on the acceptability of waiting lists in health care, their preferences for priority care of patients, and their judgements on acceptable waiting times for surgical patients.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 257 former patients (82 with varicose veins, 86 with inguinal hernia, and 89 with gallstones), 101 surgeons, 95 occupational physicians, and 65 GPs.

Prioritising patients on surgical waiting lists: a conjoint analysis study on the priority judgements of patients, surgeons, occupational physicians, and general practitioners.

The prioritisation of patients on waiting lists is ascribed high potential for diminishing the consequences of waiting times for elective surgery. However, consistent evidence is lacking about which factors determine patient priority and it is unclear whether different stakeholders have different opinions on this issue. This study, conducted in the Netherlands, investigates the judgements of patients, laypersons (i.

Waiting for elective general surgery: physical, psychological and social consequences.

Background: Long surgical waiting lists are common and receive serious consideration. To evaluate the positive and negative effects of waiting lists, insight into the consequences of waiting is needed. The present study aims to assess what insight the current literature provides into the effects of delayed surgery for varicose veins, inguinal hernia in adults, gallstones, and breast cancer in terms of physical, psychological and social aspects.