Effect of Framing as Gain versus Loss on Understanding and Hypothetical Treatment Choices: Survival and Mortality Curves

Katrina Armstrong, J. Sanford Schwartz, Genevieve Fitzgerald, Mary Putt and Peter A. Ubel
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Katrina Armstrong: Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
J. Sanford Schwartz: Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
Genevieve Fitzgerald: Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Mary Putt: Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center
Peter A. Ubel: Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Medical Decision Making, 2002, vol. 22, issue 1, 76-83

Abstract: Background . Presentation of information using survival or mortality (i.e., incidence) curves offers a potentially powerful method of communication because such curves provide information about risk over time in a relatively simple graphic format. However, the effect of framing as survival versus mortality on understanding and treatment choice is not known. Methods . In this study, 451 individuals awaiting jury duty at the Philadelphia City Courthouse were randomized to receive 1 of 3 questionnaires: (1) survival curves, (2) mortality curves, or (3) both survival and mortality curves. Each questionnaire included a brief description of a hypothetical treatment decision, survival curve graphs and/or mortality curve graphs presenting the outcome of the treatment, and questions measuring understanding of the information contained in the graphs and preference for undergoing treatment. After completing a brief practice exercise, participants were asked to answer questions assessing their ability to interpret single points on a curve and the difference between curves, and then to decide whether they would choose to undergo preventive surgery for 3 different scenarios in which the benefit of surgery varied. Results . Participants who received only survival curves or who received both survival and mortality curves were significantly more accurate in answering questions about the information than participants who received only mortality curves (P

Keywords: Decision making; framing effect; risk communication (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2002
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:medema:v:22:y:2002:i:1:p:76-83

DOI: 10.1177/0272989X0202200108

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