Related Experiment Videos
Feasibility and effects of decision aids
S Molenaar1, M A Sprangers, F C Postma-Schuit
1Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.Molenaar@Amc.UvA.NL
Summary
Patient decision aids are feasible and acceptable, improving patient knowledge and value-decision alignment. However, their impact on patient outcomes and decision-making processes is modest and requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Patient Decision Making
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Patient decision aids are emerging tools in healthcare delivery.
- Understanding their development, feasibility, and impact is crucial for effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the types of decision aids developed.
- To assess their feasibility and acceptability to patients and healthcare providers.
- To evaluate their effects on patient decision-making and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A literature review of thirty studies was conducted.
- Studies included non-controlled and controlled designs.
- Research questions focused on decision aid types, feasibility, acceptability, and impact.
Main Results:
- Decision aids were found to be feasible and acceptable for patients.
- They effectively increased patient knowledge and alignment between values and decisions.
- Effects on patient outcomes like decision uncertainty and satisfaction were modest.
Conclusions:
- Decision aids show promise in enhancing patient understanding and value-concordant choices.
- Further research is needed to explore their impact on patient outcomes and optimize their design.
- The modest observed effects highlight areas for future development and study design improvements.