Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Using Simulation Models to Train Clinicians in the Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Published on: August 9, 2024
From knowledge to action: a blended training to enhance shared decision making skills in primary care physicians - a
Jasmien Jaeken1, Pieter Van Bostraeten2, Lien Mertens2
1Academic Center for General Practice, Department of PH&PC, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 7 Block H, box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium. jasmien.jaeken@kuleuven.be.
Background:
Shared decision making (SDM) is a process to actively involve both patients and clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of a healthcare decision, based on clinical guidelines and the patients' preferences, needs and values. Despite the ethical foundation of SDM, its implementation remains limited. Possible physician-reported barriers for this limited uptake include insufficient level of SDM training. Training physicians in SDM could be a part of the puzzle. A recent systematic review showed that there is a shift towards blended training more than live or online learning. We therefore developed and pilot-tested a blended training program for general practitioners (GPs) in SDM in Belgium. Acquired skills were evaluated by three viewpoint - observer, patient and physician.
Methods:
In a pre-post study, GPs participated in the blended training program consisting of an e-learning and a face-to-face session with simulation patients (SPs) GPs and SPs completed surveys before (T0) and after (T1) the blended training. Consultations were recorded for analysis by observer reported scales (OPTION12 and 4SDM scale). Secondary outcomes were SDM-Q9-patient, satisfaction with consultation, knowledge and intentions towards SDM.
Findings:
Ten GPs were included. There was a significant increase in both OPTION12 (mean (SD) from 19·37 before to 37·70 after training, p = 0·0010, 95% CI [9·65 - 27·02]) and 4SDM scale (mean (SD) from 9·2 (4·66) before to 17·00 (5·08) after training, p = 0·0001, 95% CI [5·47 - 10·13]) with a moderate-large effect after training (Cohen's D = 2·39, 95% CI [1·13 - 3·63].
Interpretation:
The SDM blended training for GPs improved their skills, knowledge and intentions in SDM in simulated consultations on the short term.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Patient-centered Care
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Ethical Dilemmas II
Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
Decision Making: P-value Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is proposed. The claim is based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to the claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses: a null hypothesis would be a neutral statement while the alternative hypothesis can have a...