Implementing the Ottawa Decision Support Framework in Japan: Evaluation of a Decision Coaching Workshop for Nurses

This study evaluated the cultural feasibility and impact of a decision coaching workshop for nurses in Japan, using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF).

A pre-post study was conducted to evaluate a four-hour workshop based on the ODSF, integrating lectures, instructional videos, and role-play. Outcomes assessed include participants' perceptions of SDM-related concepts, decision-making skills, and confidence. Confidence was measured using a self-report Likert scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using paired t-tests, and qualitative feedback was thematically summarized.

A total of 54 nurses participated in the workshop. Before the workshop, only 57.4% reported understanding SDM concepts, and many described challenges such as conflicting patient-family preferences and limited patient decision-making capacity. After the workshop, the understanding of ODSF increased by 87.0% , the ability to use decision-support tools by 72.2% , and self-assessment of SDM skills by 50.0% . Confidence in SDM involvement improved from 2.25 to 3.37 and confidence in self-assessment of SDM skills from 2.04 to 3.04 (both p < .001). Participants valued role-play and video demonstrations as particularly effective in enhancing cultural relevance, especially in family-centered decision-making contexts.

The workshop significantly improved SDM confidence among nurses. This decision coaching training is culturally feasible and may support patient- and family-centered care in Japanese healthcare settings.

Decision coaching adapted to family-centered decision-making may strengthen SDM training in collectivist cultures and contribute to more patient- and family-centered care internationally.