Table 4 Interpretations of the six scales of the self-care decisions inventory

External

The extent to which input from other people influences self-care decision making. Higher scores indicate that self-care decision making is very influenced by the input of others

Urgency

The extent to which the perception of urgency or high stakes influences the patient’s self-care decision making. Higher scores indicate that the patient’s self-care decision making is very influenced by the perception that making a decision about what to do about the symptom is urgent or important

Uncertainty

The extent to which uncertainty or ambiguity, from incomplete information and/or difficulty interpreting the symptom, influence decision making. Higher scores indicate that the patient’s self-care decision making is very influenced by being unsure about the cause or meaning of the symptom

Cognitive/affective

The extent to which the patient’s thoughts or feelings influence decision making. Higher scores indicate that that patient’s thoughts and/or feelings interfere with or prevent decision making

Waiting/Cue competition

The extent to which situational factors delay decision making. Higher scores indicate that the patient is more likely to delay making a decision about their self-care because of competing priorities and/or a perception that the decision is not urgent

Concealment

The extent to which a desire to hide the symptom from others influences decision making. Higher scores indicate that the patient’s self-care decision making is very influenced by a desire to conceal the symptom from others