Use of decision aids to support informed choices about screening.

Argues for allowing patients to make informed decisions when recommending tests. How informed choice is not usually common for diagnostic tests; Suggestion of eight issues that are critically important for the development and use of high quality decision aids about screening; How screening may lead to over-detection and over-treatment; Screening which may lead to more invasive procedures; How the benefits of screening are delayed while the harms are immediate; Number of people who benefit from screening; Consideration of individual values and preferences in decision making; Clarity on the evidence-based value of the tests; How there is little regulation of tests; Role of marketing in the acceptance of tests. INSETS: Considerations in developing decision aids;Summary points.