Video-Based Decision Aids Improve Sleep Surgery Decision-Making: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Decisional conflict (DC) is high in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) surgical candidates interested in positive airway pressure (PAP) alternatives. We evaluated the impact of pre-consultation video decision aids on patient DC and decision readiness.

Prior to consultation for PAP alternatives, adult OSA patients were enrolled and completed a questionnaire querying DC (scored 0 [no conflict]-100 [high conflict]) and decision readiness. Those considering ≥3 treatment options were categorized as "high-conflict." Patients were randomized to either an intervention group with video review about PAP and surgical options prior to their visit or to a control group that received no video review. Audio recordings of clinic visits were analyzed for patient engagement.

Twenty-five participants (control: n = 12, intervention: n = 13) were found to have comparably high DC (mean score: 40.0). Both groups experienced post-visit improvements in DC scores (post-consult: 25.2, p = 0.003) which did not differ between the two groups (intervention: 20.5 ± 15.1 vs. control: 11.7 ± 12.1 points, p = 0.13). The intervention group showed significant improvement in decision-making stage after the visit, with 72.7% "close to selecting an option" (p = 0.04) versus 41.7% in the control group. Use of videos was not associated with any differences in patient satisfaction, engagement, or decision to pursue surgery (all p > 0.05). High-conflict patients (n = 5) who reviewed pre-visit videos (intervention sub-group) spoke fewer words during the visit (687 ± 139 vs. 1120 ± 389 words, p = 0.047) and had shorter visit times (18.7 ± 2.9 vs. 24.3 ± 3.1 min, p = 0.02) than high-conflict control patients.

Patients have high levels of DC when considering PAP alternatives. Use of video decision aids prior to sleep surgery consultation may improve the treatment decision-making process.

2 Laryngoscope, 134:2958-2963, 2024.