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Table 2 Influence of power distance within the medical consultation in primary care

From: Identification of cultural determinants of antibiotic use cited in primary care in Europe: a mixed research synthesis study of integrated design “Culture is all around us”

High

Low

References

Patients look up to the GP.

Patients see themselves as equal to the GP.

[12]

Less shared decision making: “Doctor knows best” attitude (Less discussion, information, counselling and negotiation during the consultation).

More shared decision making (more discussions, information, counselling and negotiation in the consultation).

[12, 20, 28]

GP cannot acknowledge he is unsure of diagnosis (fear of inspiring less confidence).

GP can acknowledge he is unsure of diagnosis (inspires confidence anyway).

[12]

Antibiotic prescription symbolic sign of power and expertise.

Antibiotic has a less symbolic importance.

[12]