Evidencing general acceptability of open-label placebo use for tackling overtreatment in primary care: a mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Overtreatment poses a challenge to healthcare systems due to harmful consequences of avoidable side-effects and costs. This study presents the first account for examining the feasibility of placebo use for reducing overtreatment in primary care, including whether public attitudes support the use of different placebo types in place of inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics, antidepressants, or analgesics.

Methods

We used a multi-study, mixed-methods design, including patient and public (PPI) consultations, focus groups (Study 1) and two pre-registered online experiments (Studies 2 and 3).

Results

Study 1 (N = 16) explored everyday conceptions and practicalities of potential placebo use in the context of respiratory infections. Findings highlighted the im

SUBMITTER: Krockow EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10510165 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature