A national study of public preferences reveals that not all patients want to participate equally in clinical decision-making. The research, based on a representative sample of U.S. adults, found that nearly all respondents (96%) preferred to be offered choices and to be asked their opinions. However, half (52%) preferred to leave final decisions to their physicians, and 44% preferred to rely on physicians for medical knowledge rather than seeking information themselves. Women, more educated, and healthier individuals were more likely to prefer an active role in decision-making. African-American and Hispanic respondents were more likely to prefer that physicians make the decisions. Preferences for an active role increased with age up to 45 years, but then declined. The study highlights that public preferences for participation in decision-making vary significantly. Physicians and healthcare organizations should not assume that all patients wish to participate in clinical decision-making but should assess individual patient preferences and tailor care accordingly. The findings suggest that a collaborative model of decision-making is not universally preferred, and that some patients may prefer a physician-directed approach. The study also found that older individuals tend to prefer a physician-directed style of care, and those in poorer health markedly preferred a physician-directed style of decision-making. These findings underscore the importance of understanding individual patient preferences to provide appropriate care. The study concludes that while many patients want to discuss options and share their opinions with physicians, the majority of patients do not want to be active participants in decision-making. This has important implications for healthcare providers, who must balance patient preferences with the need for effective decision-making. The study also highlights the importance of considering demographic and health-related factors when assessing patient preferences. Overall, the study provides important insights into the diversity of patient preferences for participation in clinical decision-making.A national study of public preferences reveals that not all patients want to participate equally in clinical decision-making. The research, based on a representative sample of U.S. adults, found that nearly all respondents (96%) preferred to be offered choices and to be asked their opinions. However, half (52%) preferred to leave final decisions to their physicians, and 44% preferred to rely on physicians for medical knowledge rather than seeking information themselves. Women, more educated, and healthier individuals were more likely to prefer an active role in decision-making. African-American and Hispanic respondents were more likely to prefer that physicians make the decisions. Preferences for an active role increased with age up to 45 years, but then declined. The study highlights that public preferences for participation in decision-making vary significantly. Physicians and healthcare organizations should not assume that all patients wish to participate in clinical decision-making but should assess individual patient preferences and tailor care accordingly. The findings suggest that a collaborative model of decision-making is not universally preferred, and that some patients may prefer a physician-directed approach. The study also found that older individuals tend to prefer a physician-directed style of care, and those in poorer health markedly preferred a physician-directed style of decision-making. These findings underscore the importance of understanding individual patient preferences to provide appropriate care. The study concludes that while many patients want to discuss options and share their opinions with physicians, the majority of patients do not want to be active participants in decision-making. This has important implications for healthcare providers, who must balance patient preferences with the need for effective decision-making. The study also highlights the importance of considering demographic and health-related factors when assessing patient preferences. Overall, the study provides important insights into the diversity of patient preferences for participation in clinical decision-making.