Interactive laser disc computer programs to assist patients in medical decision making by providing them with general and specific information about their condition and the potential harms and benefits of the alternative medical and surgical treatments. SDMP are available for an increasing number of conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, low back pain, mild hypertension, breast cancer surgery, and breast cancer adjuvant therapy. The system is designed to be used in the health care setting, where the physician refers the patient to the appropriate program on the basis of eligibility criteria. The information provided is also being made available on videotape. The system was developed by John E. Wennberg, MD and his group at the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making (FIMDM) in New Hampshire.