Opt‐in or opt‐out health‐care communication? A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Patients need medication and medical condition‐related information to better self‐manage their health. Health‐care professionals (HCPs) should be able to actively provide information outside of one‐on‐one consultations; however, patient consent may be required. Objective To investigate the Australian public's preferences, and factors that may influence their preferences, towards an opt‐in versus an opt‐out approach to health communication. Design A cross‐sectional study using a structured questionnaire administered via Computer‐Assisted Telephone Interviewing. Setting and participants Participants across Australia who were adults, English‐speaking and had a long‐term medical condition. Main outcome measures Preferences for opt‐in vs opt‐out approach to receiving follow‐up tailored information. Results A total of 8683 calls were made to achieve the required sample size of 589 completed surveys. Many (346/589; 58.7%) indicated that they were interested in receiving tailored, ongoing follow‐up information from their HCP. Nearly half (n = 281; 47.7%) preferred an opt‐in service and 293/589 (49.7%) an opt‐out service for receiving follow‐up information. Reasons for preferring an opt‐in service were being in control of the information received (n = 254); able to make a decision that is best for them (n = 245); opt‐in service would save time for HCPs (n = 217); they may not want or need the information (n = 240). Many (n = 255) felt that an opt‐out service should be part of the normal duty of care of their HCP and believed (n = 267) that this approach would ensure that everyone has access to information. Conclusions Respondents were interested in receiving tailored information outside of consultation times. However, preferences for an opt‐in or opt‐out approach were divided.

Keywords

• attitude to health
• consumer health information
• health communication
• health literacy
• patient education as topic