A computerised guidance tree (decision aid) for hypertension, based on decision analysis: development and preliminary...

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Decision Analysis
• Health Behavior

Background:

• Hypertension management requires effective patient information delivery.
• Shared decision-making is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.
• Existing tools may not adequately address individual patient needs and preferences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a computerised decision aid for patients with mild to moderate hypertension.
• To assess the usability and acceptability of the decision aid among patients and healthcare professionals.
• To evaluate the potential of the aid in promoting shared decision-making in hypertension care.

Main Methods:

• Development of a computerised decision aid based on decision analysis and decision trees.
• Incorporation of the Framingham risk equation for coronary artery disease risk assessment.
• Inclusion of patient lifestyle assessment and willingness to change, alongside preference elicitation for treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• The decision aid was evaluated by 10 patients with hypertension and 8 healthcare professionals.
• Both patient and healthcare professional groups provided positive assessments of the computerised decision aid.
• The program successfully provided individualized information and treatment guidance.

Conclusions:

• Computerised decision aids utilizing decision analysis can effectively inform patients about hypertension.
• The piloted tool shows promise in facilitating shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.
• Personalized information and preference assessment are key components for effective patient engagement in hypertension management.