Determinants of Physicians' Referrals for Suspected Cancer Given a Risk-Prediction Algorithm: Linking Signal Detection and Fuzzy Trace Theory.

ABSTRACT: BackgroundPrevious research suggests that physicians' inclination to refer patients for suspected cancer is a relatively stable characteristic of their decision making. We aimed to identify its psychological determinants in the presence of a risk-prediction algorithm.MethodsWe presented 200 UK general practitioners with online vignettes describing patients with possible colorectal cancer. Per the vignette, GPs indicated the likelihood of referral (from highly unlikely to highly likely) and level of cancer risk (negligible/low/medium/high), received an algorithmic risk estimate, and could then revise their responses. After completing the vignettes, GPs responded to questions about their values with regard to harms and benefits of cancer referral for different stakeholders, perceived severit

SUBMITTER: Kostopoulou O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12705883 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature