Patient feedback receiving care using a shared decision making tool for thyroid nodule evaluation-an observational...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Health Informatics
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Thyroid nodules are common, requiring careful diagnostic evaluation.
• Shared decision-making (SDM) tools can enhance patient understanding and involvement in care.
• Effective communication is crucial for managing diagnostic options for thyroid nodules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient feedback on a shared decision-making (SDM) tool used for thyroid nodule diagnostic conversations.
• To characterize patient experiences with an SDM tool designed to improve clinician-patient dialogue regarding diagnostic choices.
• To evaluate the impact of an SDM tool on patient awareness and preference expression for thyroid nodule management.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of post-encounter patient interviews.
• Quantitative analysis of recorded clinical encounters involving the SDM tool.
• Evaluation of diagnostic choice awareness and patient preference expression in 53 patients with thyroid nodules.

Main Results:

• Patients reported positive feedback on the SDM tool's design, information delivery, and support for patient-clinician interactions.
• The SDM tool demonstrated high rates of diagnostic choice awareness (98%) and patient preference expression (76%).
• Patients suggested enhancements to the tool's content and recommended clinician training for optimal implementation.

Conclusions:

• User-centered design, incorporating patient feedback and real-world observations, validates the SDM tool's utility.
• The SDM tool effectively facilitates collaborative decision-making between patients and clinicians for thyroid nodule care.
• Continued refinement and training can further optimize the integration of SDM tools in clinical practice.