Optimizing patient autonomy: a discrete choice experiment on preferences and disparities in healthcare provider selection

While legislative reforms are designed to enhance patient involvement in decision-making, substantial gaps remain between policy intentions and actual public preferences. Although increased autonomy and choice empower patients, they can also introduce challenges, such as decision fatigue and the consumer paradox, potentially undermining reform effectiveness. Our findings underscore the need for more nuanced, patient-centred health policy approaches. Future research should focus on strategies that better address the diverse needs and preferences of the population, ultimately enhancing healthcare system efficiency and equity.