Expectations vs. Appropriate Testing in Preventive Care. A Discussion Based on Insights from Romanian Responders

Preventive medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of healthcare systems, and laboratory investigations represent one of its main pillars. However, achieving an optimal balance between the benefits and costs of testing remains a challenge. Caught between public expectations, appropriate test utilization, and the need for adequate physician training in test ordering, enhancing patients’ understanding and knowledge becomes essential. To explore this aspect, a general online survey was conducted, completed by 321 respondents. The results show that, while respondents generally followed physicians' recommendations, many also sought laboratory testing on their own initiative. Direct access to laboratory services - facilitated by the widespread availability of private laboratories - has become a common practice. This raises concerns about the potential overuse of laboratory testing and underscores the importance of further investigating the factors driving patient self-empowerment. Enhancing shared decision-making between patients and physicians is essential to optimize the benefits of testing, minimize unnecessary costs, and reducing the risk of health-related anxiety.