Decision aids to help older people make health decisions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

How to make a shared decision with older persons for end-stage kidney disease treatment: the added value of geronto-nephrology

Improving care for older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requires the adaptation of standards to meet their needs. This may be complex due to their heterogeneity in terms of multimorbidity, frailty, cognitive decline and healthcare priorities. As benefits and risks are uncertain for these persons, choosing an appropriate treatment is a daily challenge for nephrologists. In this narrative review, we aimed to describe the issues associated with healthcare for older people, with a specific focus on decision-making processes; apply these concepts to the context of ESKD; identify components and modalities of shared decision-making and suggest means to improve care pathways. To this end, we propose a geronto-nephrology dynamic, described here as the necessary collaboration between these specialties. Underscoring gaps in the current evidence in this field led us to suggest priority research orientations.

"I Do Not Believe We Should Disclose Everything to an Older Patient": Challenges and Ethical Concerns in Clinical Decision-Making in Old-Age Care in Ethiopia

Clinical decision-making in old-age care is a complex and ethically sensitive process. Despite its importance, research addressing the challenges of clinical decision-making in old-age care within this cultural context is limited. This study aimed to explore the challenges and ethical concerns in clinical decision-making in old-age care in Ethiopia. This qualitative study employed an inductive approach with data collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 older patients and 26 health professionals recruited from healthcare facilities in Ethiopia. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Our analysis identified three key themes. First, participants highlighted perceptions that older patients' religious beliefs interfere with the clinical decisions both older patients and health professionals make. Second, older patients often receive limited information from health professionals about their diagnosis and treatment. Third, families of older patients appear to strongly influence clinical decisions made by older patients or health professionals. This research enhances the understanding of clinical decision-making in old-age care within Ethiopia, a context where such research is scarce. As a result, this study contributes towards advancing the deliberation of ethical dilemmas that health professionals who work with older patients in Ethiopia might face. A key implication of the study is that there is a need for more ethics and cultural competence training for health professionals working with older patients in Ethiopia.

Decision Regret and Decision-Making Process among Caregivers of Older Adults Receiving Home Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVES

Family caregivers of older adults receiving home care often find themselves in situations in which they must make important and difficult decisions, which can cause conflict and regret. To tailor shared decision making in this context, we aimed to identify the most difficult decisions they faced, assess their levels of decision regret, and explore the associated factors.

DESIGN

This study used a cross-sectional design.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 165 caregivers of older adults who received home care services in Korea.

METHODS

We identified difficult decisions perceived by family caregivers of older adults and evaluated decision regret using the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), decisional conflict using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), burden of care using the Short Zarit Burden Inventory, and Preference Control Scale (PCS). We then performed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate linear regression analyses to identify factors predicting decision regret.

RESULTS

The most frequently reported difficult decisions were related to place of living (71.6%), management of health conditions (15.1%), and end-of-life decisions (13.3%). The mean DCS score was 37.09 (12.67), the DRS score was 32.33 (15.91), and the burden score was 21.81 (8.25). Matching decisions with preferences and aligning decision-making roles significantly reduced regret, while decision conflicts increased regret.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The positive associations between decision regret, decision conflict, and the alignment of decision-making roles highlight the intricate dynamics involved in the decision-making process for family caregivers. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions that recognize and address the diverse factors influencing caregivers' decision-making experiences. Future research exploring the efficacy of targeted interventions such as decision-support programs or caregiver education initiatives could offer valuable insights into mitigating decision-related challenges and improving the overall well-being of both caregivers and care recipients.

The influence of health literacy, anxiety and education on shared decision making and decisional conflict in older adults, and the mediating role of patient participation: A video observational study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between personal characteristics of older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and perceived shared decision making (SDM) resp. decisional conflict.

METHODS

In a video-observational study (N = 213) data were collected on personal characteristics. The main outcomes were perceived level of SDM and decisional conflict. The mediating variable was participation in the SDM process. A twostep mixed effect multilinear regression and a mediation analysis were performed to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 77.3 years and 56.3% were female. Health literacy (β.01, p < .001) was significantly associated with participation in the SDM process. Education (β = -2.43, p = .05) and anxiety (β = -.26, p = .058) had a marginally significant direct effect on the patients' perceived level of SDM. Education (β = 12.12, p = .002), health literacy (β = -.70, p = .005) and anxiety (β = 1.19, p = .004) had a significant direct effect on decisional conflict. The effect of health literacy on decisional conflict was mediated by participation in SDM.

CONCLUSION

Health literacy, anxiety and education are associated with decisional conflict. Participation in SDM during consultations plays a mediating role in the relationship between health literacy and decisional conflict.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Tailoring SDM communication to health literacy levels is important for high quality SDM.

Current Status of Shared Decision-Making in Intraocular Lens Selection for Cataract Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

To explore 1) the level of shared decision-making (SDM) participation in intraocular lens (IOL) selection in cataract patients and the factors that influence this participation and 2) the relationships between preparation for decision-making (PrepDM)and the level of SDM participation and satisfaction with the decision (SWD). Provide guidance for improving SDM in ophthalmology.

Patients and Methods

176 cataract patients were asked to complete the PrepDM scale, the 9-item Shared Decision Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9) and the SWD instrument in IOL decision-making process. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of the level of SDM. The Process program and bootstrap sampling method was used to test whether the level of participation in SDM was a mediating variable among the three.

Results

The SDM-Q-9 median score was 77.78 (IQR 31.11-88.89). Patients with a history of surgery in the operative eye (P=0.022) or PrepDM <60 points (P<0.001) had lower SDM-Q-9 scores than patients with no history of surgery in the operative eye or PrepDM ≥60 points. Patients with an education level lower than primary school had lower SDM-Q-9 scores than patients with other education levels (P<0.05). The PrepDM of cataract patients was positively correlated with the level of SDM (r=0.768, P<0.001) and with the SWD (r=0.727, P<0.001), and the level of SDM was positively correlated with the SWD (r=0.856, P<0.001). The level of SDM fully mediated PrepDM and SDW, with a mediating effect value of 0.128 and a mediating effect of 86.66% of the total effect.

Conclusion

The SDM of cataract patients involved in IOL selection was in the upper middle range. Education, history of surgery in the operated eye, and PrepDM were factors that influenced the level of SDM. The level of participation in SDM fully mediated the relationship between PrepDM and SWD.

Communicating cardiovascular risk: Systematic review of qualitative evidence

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular risk prediction models are widely used to help individuals understand risk and make decisions.

METHODS

Systematic review of qualitative evidence. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. We included English-language qualitative studies on the communication of cardiovascular risk. We assessed study quality using Hawker et al.'s tool and synthesised data thematically.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies were included. Many patients think that risk scores are of limited practical value. Other sources of information feed into informal estimates of risk, which may lead patients to reject the results of clinical risk assessment when the two conflict. Clinicians identify a number of barriers to risk communication, including patients' limited understanding of risk and excessive anxiety. They use a range of strategies for adapting risk communication. Both clinicians and individuals express specific preferences for risk communication formats.

DISCUSSION

Ways of communicating risk that provide some comparison or reference point seem more promising. The broader context of communication around risk may be more important than the risk scoring instrument. Risk communication interventions, in practice, may be more about appeals to emotion than a rationalistic model of decision-making.

Visual supplementation is an effective tool in cataract surgery counselling by eye-care practitioners

BACKGROUND

Informed consent constitutes an important aspect of eye care. However, patients often experience difficulties understanding and retaining information presented to them during consultations. This study investigates the efficacy of pictorial aids in supplementing preoperative counselling of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

Patients attending routine pre-cataract surgery counselling were randomized to receive either a standard verbal consultation (control) or a verbal consultation with a digitalized pictorial aid illustrating key surgical steps (intervention). Patients were assessed after the consultation on their knowledge, satisfaction, anxiety and preparedness using an anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were recruited and randomized into the control and intervention groups. The intervention group attained better Knowledge Scores (control: 5 [2-6] vs. intervention: 6 [6]), and more patients "strongly agreed" that they were more prepared (control: 78.9% vs. intervention: 97.4%, P=0.028). A higher proportion of patients in the control group either "disagreed" or "neither disagree nor agreed (neutral)" that they were less worried (control: 15.8% vs. intervention: 0.0%, Fisher's Exact Test P=0.025). Although the consultation duration was shorter in the intervention group (21±4mins vs. 27±6mins, P<0.001), the use of digital pictorial aids during consultation resulted in more effective counselling with increased patient knowledge, easier decision-making process and reduced patient anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Pictorial aids add to the repository of tools available to eye-care practitioners and are low-cost, easy to implement, and can effectively augment existing preoperative counselling processes to ensure accurate and effective preoperative counselling of patients.

Decision aids for promoting shared decision-making: A review of systematic reviews

In the context of shared decision-making (SDM), experts have advocated the use of validated decision aids (DAs) as valuable tools for facilitating SDM in various healthcare scenarios. This comprehensive review attempts to analyze a vast corpus of DA research by performing thorough searches across four prominent databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science). Independent reviewers selected relevant reviews, extracted data, and assessed review quality using the AMSTAR II tool. A total of 34 systematic reviews were identified and evaluated in this review, encompassing a wide range of outcomes associated with using DAs. These outcomes include patient knowledge, patient involvement in SDM, decision conflict, decision regret, satisfaction, and adherence. In addition, DAs positively affect healthcare provider outcomes by increasing satisfaction, reducing decision conflicts, and lengthening clinical consultations. This review highlights the need for additional research in specific contexts such as long-term care, mental health, and reproductive health to better understand the benefits and challenges of implementing DAs in these settings. Such research can contribute to the improvement of SDM practices and patient-centered care.

My Wellbeing Journal: Development of a communication and goal-setting tool to improve care for older adults with chronic conditions and multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

Chronic conditions and multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic conditions, are increasingly common in older adults. Effective management of chronic conditions and multimorbidity in older adults requires a collaborative and person-centred approach that considers the individual's goals, preferences and priorities. However, ensuring high-quality personalised care for older adults with multimorbidity can be challenging due to the complexity of their care needs, limited time and a lack of patient preparation to discuss their personal goals and preferences with their healthcare team.

OBJECTIVE

To codesign a communication and goal-setting tool, My Wellbeing Journal, to support personalised care planning for older adults with chronic conditions and multimorbidity.

DESIGN

We drew on an experience-based codesign approach to develop My Wellbeing Journal. This article reports on the final end-user feedback, which was collected via an online survey with older adults and their carers.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Older adults with chronic conditions, multimorbidity and informal carers living in Australia. Personalised care planning was considered in the context of primary care.

RESULTS

A total of 88 participants completed the online survey. The survey focused on participants' feedback on the tool in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction and errors encountered. This feedback resulted in modifications to My Wellbeing Journal, which can be used during clinical encounters to facilitate communication, goal setting and progress tracking.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians and carers can use the tool to guide discussions with older adults about their care planning and help them set realistic goals that are meaningful to them. The findings of this study could be used to inform the development of recommendations for healthcare providers to implement person-centred, goal-oriented care for older adults with chronic conditions and multimorbidity.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Older adults living with chronic conditions and multimorbidity and their carers have contributed to the development of a tool that has the potential to significantly enhance the experience of personalised care planning. Their direct involvement as collaborators has ensured that the tool is optimised to meet the standards of effectiveness and usability.

Development of person-centred quality indicators for aged care assessment services in Australia: A mixed methods study

INTRODUCTION

This study developed a proposed set of person-centred quality indicators (PC-QIs) for services that assess older adults' care and support needs to determine their eligibility to receive government-funded aged care services in Australia. Individual proposed PC-QIs amenability for change within current organizational structures were explored. Barriers and opportunities to adapt service elements of the aged care assessment service to better align with the intent of the proposed PC-QIs were identified.

METHODS

A mixed methods study was conducted over five phases. A scoping review identified domains of quality for aged care services as perceived by older adults. Service elements of an aged care assessment service were mapped alongside quality domains informing key attributes of each quality domain. Self-determination theory was used to formulate each proposed PC-QI to align with key attributes and quality domains. Consultation with a consumer group enabled revision of the proposed PC-QIs. A focus group with clinicians evaluated the amenability of each proposed PC-QI for change and identified barriers and opportunities to better align service elements with older adults' perceptions of quality. Results were informed by qualitative and quantitative data from a structured focus group. Focus group discussions were audio recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analyzed using a deductive thematic approach by two independent researchers.

RESULTS

Twenty-four proposed PC-QIs were developed. Refinement to descriptors of the proposed PC-QIs were made by the consumer group (n = 18) and all were affirmed as being amenable to change by aged care assessors. Barriers in meeting the intent of the proposed PC-QIs were identified across five domains including: health care staff knowledge (18.7%; n = 3); clear communication (31%; n = 5); person-centred approach (18.7%; n = 3); respect for client (18.7%; n = 3); and collaborative partnership with client (12%; n = 2). Participants made 21 recommendations. Of the five service elements in delivering an aged care assessment service, barriers in meeting the intent of the proposed PC-QIs were identified at the intake and booking of an assessment and during the assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations identified provide assessment services guidance on ways to adapt service elements to better align with older adults' perceptions of quality.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Patients and carers were involved as collaborators in this project at the protocol stage which included participating in discussions regarding the refining and modification of the protocol, refinement of the proposed PC-QIs, data collection forms and supplementary information for participants.

A randomized controlled trial on the effects of decision aids for choosing discharge destinations of older stroke patients

BACKGROUND

In Japanese medical practice, older stroke survivors are overwhelmed with information regarding their discharge locations, creating more decision-making challenges. A randomized controlled trial evaluated the influence of decision aids (DAs) for matching older stroke patients and their families' values concerning decisional conflict and participation in discharge destination decisions.

METHODS

Participants were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention spanned two months, from admission to discharge, at which times participants were surveyed. DAs were provided to the intervention group, and brochures to the control group. The primary endpoint was decisional conflict, assessed using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). The secondary endpoint decision-making participation was assessed using the Control Preference Scale (CPS) decision-making roles and a 10-point Visual Analog Scale for participation rate. An independent t-test analyzed decisional conflict scores and participation rates to examine between-group differences. The chi-square independence test evaluated roles in decision-making scores. Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine participants (intervention group n = 51; control group n = 48) were included in the full analysis set, with a dropout rate of 38.4%. No significant group differences were found in decision-making conflict [t (99) = 0.69, p = 0.49, d = 0.14] and roles in decision-making scores [χ2 (5) = 3.65, p = 0.46]. However, a significant group difference was found in the participation rate [t (99) = 2.24, p = 0.03, d = 0.45]. DA tended to reduce uncertainty and promote participation rates, especially in participants living alone and unable to decide their discharge destination.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of DA with older stroke patients did not significantly decrease decisional conflicts. In addition, the participation rate in decision-making increased, but their active role did not. Further studies should be conducted to understand the methods of offering DA, their ideal durations, and identify their beneficiaries.

Engagement of Older Adults Receiving Home Care Services and Their Caregivers in Health Decisions in Partnership With Clinical Teams: Protocol for a Multimethod Study to Prioritize and Culturally Adapt Decision Aids for Home Care

BACKGROUND

Older adults (people aged 65 years and older) face many difficult decisions. Patient decision aids (PtDAs) can help them and their families make informed value-congruent decisions. Some PtDAs have been developed for the home care context, but little is known about scaling them for use with older adults in a different culture.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to (1) assess the scalability of existing PtDAs for older adults in the home care context; (2) prioritize those that best match the decisional needs of older adults in home care; and (3) culturally adapt the prioritized PtDAs so they can be scaled successfully to the Quebec health care system.

METHODS

This multimethod study includes 3 phases. All phases will be overseen by a steering committee of older adults, caregivers, health professionals, decision makers, community organization representatives, and researchers with the needed expertise. In phase 1, we will use the Innovation Scalability Self-administered Questionnaire, a validated scalability self-assessment tool, to assess the scalability of 33 PtDAs previously identified in a systematic review. Based on their scalability, their quality (based on the International Patient Decision Aids Standards), and the importance of the decision point, we will retain approximately a third of these. In phase 2, we will conduct a 2-round web-based Delphi to prioritize the PtDAs selected in phase 1. Using a snowball recruitment strategy, we aim to recruit 60 Delphi participants in the province of Quebec, including older adults, caregivers, health professionals, decision makers involved in home care services, and PtDA experts. In the first round, we will ask participants to rate the importance of several PtDA decision points according to various criteria such as prevalence and difficulty on a 5-point Likert scale (1=not important to 5=very important). Approximately 6 of the highest-rated PtDAs will be retained for presentation in the second round, and we will select up to 3 PtDAs judged as having the highest priority for cultural adaptation. In phase 3, using the Chenel framework and user-centered design methods, we will update and adapt the PtDAs to the Quebec health care system and integrate these PtDAs into an interprofessional shared decision-making training program for home care teams. The adapted PtDAs will respect the International Patient Decision Aids Standards criteria.

RESULTS

This study was funded in March 2022 by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Data collection for the web-based Delphi began in October 2023. Results are expected to be published in May 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This project will provide relevant and culturally appropriate decision support tools for older adults making difficult decisions and their home care teams that will be ready for scaling across the province of Quebec.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/53150.

Supporting older patients in making healthcare decisions: The effectiveness of decision aids; A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review randomized controlled trials and clinical controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of Decision Aids (DAs) compared to usual care or alternative interventions for older patients facing treatment, screening, or care decisions.

METHODS

A systematic search of several databases was conducted. Eligible studies included patients ≥ 65 years or reported a mean of ≥ 70 years. Primary outcomes were attributes of the choice made and decision making process, user experience and ways in which DAs were tailored to older patients. Meta-analysis was conducted, if possible, or outcomes were synthesized descriptively.

RESULTS

Overall, 15 studies were included. Using DAs were effective in increasing knowledge (SMD 0.90; 95% CI [0.48, 1.32]), decreasing decisional conflict (SMD -0.15; 95% CI [-0.29, -0.01]), improving patient-provider communication (RR 1.67; 95% CI [1.21, 2.29]), and preparing patients to make an individualized decision (MD 35.7%; 95% CI [26.8, 44.6]). Nine studies provided details on how the DA was tailored to older patients.

CONCLUSION

This review shows a number of favourable results for the effectiveness of DAs in decision making with older patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Current DAs can be used to support shared decision making with older patients when faced with treatment, screening or care decisions.

Shared Decision-Making and Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Shared decision-making is increasingly embraced in health care and recommended in cardiovascular guidelines. Patient involvement in health care decisions, patient-clinician communication, and models of patient-centered care are critical to improve health outcomes and to promote equity, but formal models and evaluation in cardiovascular care are nascent. Shared decision-making promotes equity by involving clinicians and patients, sharing the best available evidence, and recognizing the needs, values, and experiences of individuals and their families when faced with the task of making decisions. Broad endorsement of shared decision-making as a critical component of high-quality, value-based care has raised our awareness, although uptake in clinical practice remains suboptimal for a range of patient, clinician, and system issues. Strategies effective in promoting shared decision-making include educating clinicians on communication techniques, engaging multidisciplinary medical teams, incorporating trained decision coaches, and using tools (ie, patient decision aids) at appropriate literacy and numeracy levels to support patients in their cardiovascular decisions. This scientific statement shines a light on the limited but growing body of evidence of the impact of shared decision-making on cardiovascular outcomes and the potential of shared decision-making as a driver of health equity so that everyone has just opportunities. Multilevel solutions must align to address challenges in policies and reimbursement, system-level leadership and infrastructure, clinician training, access to decision aids, and patient engagement to fully support patients and clinicians to engage in the shared decision-making process and to drive equity and improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

Development of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patient Decision Aid for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Mixed Methods Study

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the participation rate of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients is low. Patient decision aids can facilitate patient participation in pulmonary rehabilitation decisions by providing information and incorporating patient values. The aim of this study was to develop a pulmonary rehabilitation decision aid for patients with COPD.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a WeChat-based pulmonary rehabilitation patient decision aid to help older patients with COPD participate in pulmonary rehabilitation decision-making.

Methods

We developed the decision aid in 3 stages: (1) a literature review was performed to determine the evidence for pulmonary rehabilitation options and outcomes for patients with COPD. (2) a semi-structured interview study was conducted to develop and iterate patient decision aids. (3) usability, acceptability and language expression testing in patients and healthcare professionals.

Results

A total of 16 randomized controlled studies were included in the literature review. Thirty-six participants received semi-structured interviews. The results of interview include four themes: key points of age-friendly design, content of the tool, presentation requirements of contents and study evidence of the tool and other views and suggestions. The resultant goals-of-care decision aid achieved good usability and acceptability. The frequency of language expression increased in both patients and healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

This study uses a systematic development process to develop the first pulmonary rehabilitation decision aid for patients with COPD. It has good usability, acceptability and increased communication between patients and healthcare professionals in the pulmonary rehabilitation decision-making process.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR1900028563; http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/default.aspx.

Digital encounter decision aids linked to clinical practice guidelines: results from user testing SHARE-IT decision aids in primary care

BACKGROUND

Encounter decision aids (EDAs) are tools that can support shared decision making (SDM), up to the clinical encounter. However, adoption of these tools has been limited, as they are hard to produce, to keep up-to-date, and are not available for many decisions. The MAGIC Evidence Ecosystem Foundation has created a new generation of decision aids that are generically produced along digitally structured guidelines and evidence summaries, in an electronic authoring and publication platform (MAGICapp). We explored general practitioners' (GPs) and patients' experiences with five selected decision aids linked to BMJ Rapid Recommendations in primary care.

METHODS

We applied a qualitative user testing design to evaluate user experiences for both GPs and patients. We translated five EDAs relevant to primary care, and observed the clinical encounters of 11 GPs when they used the EDA with their patients. We conducted a semi-structured interview with each patient after the consultation and a think-aloud interview with each GPs after multiple consultations. We used the Qualitative Analysis Guide (QUAGOL) for data analysis.

RESULTS

Direct observations and user testing analysis of 31 clinical encounters showed an overall positive experience. The EDAs created better involvement in decision making and resulted in meaningful insights for patients and clinicians. The design and its interactive, multilayered structure made the tool enjoyable and well-organized. Difficult terminology, scales and numbers hindered understanding of certain information, which was sometimes perceived as too specialized or even intimidating. GPs thought the EDA was not suitable for every patient. They perceived a learning curve was required and the need for time investment was a concern. The EDAs were considered trustworthy as they were provided by a credible source.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that EDAs can be useful tools in primary care by supporting actual shared decision making and enhancing patient involvement. The graphical approach and clear representation help patients better understand their options. To overcome barriers such as health literacy and GPs attitudes, effort is still needed to make the EDAs as accessible, intuitive and inclusive as possible through use of plain language, uniform design, rapid access and training.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was approved by the The Research Ethics Committee UZ/KU Leuven (Belgium) on 31-10-2019 with reference number MP011977.

Evaluation of an Advanced Care Planning Training Program Incorporating Online Skills in Shared Decision Making: A Preintervention and Postintervention Comparative Study

AIM

This study evaluated an advanced care planning (ACP) training program incorporating online skills in shared decision making (SDM).

METHOD

The New World Kirkpatrick Model was employed to assess the efficacy of the training program at four levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. Reaction measured the participants' satisfaction and difficulty with the training program alongside the status of support received from workplaces engaging in ACP. Learning evaluated the changes in SDM skills. Behavior assessed the changes in the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals when the latter were involved in the SDM process. Results evaluated whether the participants were willing to participate in ACP educational programs as a facilitator and whether their motivation for continuous learning changed through throughout the training program. The relationships among patients, healthcare providers, and third-party roles were analyzed in SDM role-playing via structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS

Between September 2020 and June 2022, 145 multidisciplinary participants completed the entirety of the training program. The most common responses to the training were "satisfied", "slightly difficult", and "I received some support from my workplace". The SDM skills significantly improved from the first to the third workshop, evaluated using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. In the first workshop, SDM was primarily performed by healthcare providers; however, in the third workshop, patient-centered SDM was adopted. Of the participants who completed the program, 63% intended to participate in future ACP educational programs as ACP education facilitators.

CONCLUSION

This study ascertained the validity of this training.

TalkingMats as a decision aid to promote involvement in choice and decision-making around home care services for older people with mild to moderate dementia - study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

In Sweden, 72% of people with dementia live in ordinary housing. Of these, 50% receive home care services. Older people with dementia may benefit from developments in decision-making support which aim to facilitate their ability to communicate their personal needs and preferences with care managers and staff in home care services. In this study, we will test and evaluate the use of TalkingMats in Swedish municipal home care services for older people with mild to moderate dementia. TalkingMats is a low-technology communication tool, to help people with communication difficulties express their views. It uses a simple system of picture symbols which are placed on a textured mat. This study will provide insight into the extent to which TalkingMats benefits older people with dementia to feel more involved in decisions related to home care services. In addition, this study will assess the extent to which the use of TalkingMats promotes service providers' efforts to involve service recipients in decision making. The implementation of TalkingMats in home care services will also be studied.

METHODS

A parallel group, two-armed randomized controlled trial design in which TalkingMats and Usual Conversation Method will be compared. Two specific situations where older people with dementia must make decisions about home care services will be studied. First, a follow-up needs-assessment conversation between study participants and care managers will be studied. Second, a conversation between participants and home care staff regarding the delivery of the decided home care services will be studied. In addition, a qualitative approach will be used to gain an understanding of study participant and service provider experiences of the impact and implementation of TalkingMats.

DISCUSSION

The combined exploratory, descriptive, and experimental study design is considered an important strength which will facilitate multi-facetted knowledge production concerning the involvement and communication needs of older people with dementia generally and within the context of home care services specifically. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods will maximize our ability to assess the effects of TalkingMats.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05561998 . Registered in September 28, 2022.

Competences of internal medicine specialists for the management of patients with multimorbidity. EFIM multimorbidity working group position paper

Patients with multimorbidity increasingly impact healthcare systems, both in primary care and in hospitals. This is particularly true in Internal Medicine. This population associates with higher mortality rates, polypharmacy, hospital readmissions, post-discharge syndrome, anxiety, depression, accelerated age-related functional decline, and development of geriatric syndromes, amongst others. Internists and Hospitalists, in one of their roles as Generalists, are increasingly asked to attend to these patients, both in their own Departments as well as in surgical areas. The management of polypathology and multimorbidity, however, is often complex, and requires specific clinical skills and corresponding experience. In addition, patients' needs, health-care environment, and routines have changed, so emerging and re-emerging specific competences and approaches are required to offer the best coordinated, continuous, and comprehensive integrated care to these populations, to achieve optimal health outcomes and satisfaction of patients, their relatives, and staff. This position paper proposes a set of emerging and re-emerging competences for internal medicine specialists, which are needed to optimally address multimorbidity now and in the future.

Effects of a shared decision making intervention for older adults with multiple chronic conditions: the DICO study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effects of a shared decision making (SDM) intervention for older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs).

METHODS

A pragmatic trial evaluated the effects of the SDM^MCC intervention, existing of SDM training for nine geriatricians in two hospitals and a preparatory tool for patients. A prospective pre-intervention post-intervention multi-center clinical study was conducted in which an usual care group of older patients with MCC and their informal caregivers was included before the implementation of the intervention and a new cohort of patients and informal caregivers after the implementation of the intervention. SDM was observed using the OPTION^MCC during video-recorded consultations. Patient- and caregivers reported outcomes regarding their role in SDM, involvement, perceived SDM and decisional conflict were measured. The differences between groups regarding the level of observed SDM (OPTION^MCC) were analyzed with a mixed model analysis. Dichotomous patient-reported outcomes were analyzed with a logistic mixed model.

RESULTS

From two outpatient geriatric clinics 216 patients with MCCs participated. The mean age was 77.3 years, and 56.3% of patients were female. No significant difference was found in the overall level of SDM as measured with the OPTION^MCC or in patient-reported outcomes. However, at item level the items discussing 'goals', 'options', and 'decision making' significantly improved after the intervention. The items discussing 'partnership' and 'evaluating the decision-making process' showed a significant decrease. Fifty-two percent of the patients completed the preparatory tool, but the results were only discussed in 12% of the consultations.

CONCLUSION

This study provides scope for improvement of SDM in geriatrics. Engaging older adults with MCCs and informal caregivers in the decision making process should be an essential part of SDM training for geriatricians, beyond the SDM steps of explaining options, benefits and harms. More attention should be paid to the integration of preparatory work in the consultation.

Brain changes in neuroimaging of adult patients with vitamin D deficiency: systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Brain abnormalities detected through neuroimaging are described in patients with vitamin D deficiency, however, it is still not clear which cerebral alterations are more frequent and characteristic in this population. Thus, this review aims to identify and classify which are the main and most frequent brain changes found by neuroimaging in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study protocol was constructed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols and the leading research question was formulated through Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Setting. The evidence will be researched at the following electronic databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and EMBASE. Two researchers will work in the selection, analysis and inclusion phases of the articles. In the case of divergence, a third-party reviewer will be contacted. The following studies will be included: (1) cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies; (2) studies carried out on patients with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL; (3) studies conducted with an adult population; (4) studies using neuroimaging methods. Articles considered eligible will be analysed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale/cross-section studies to evaluate study quality. The survey will be conducted from June to December 2022.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The identification of the main and most frequent brain alterations found through neuroimaging in patients with vitamin D deficiency can guide professionals as to the identification which of the main cerebral pathologies detected through neuroimaging are related to vitamin D deficiency, in choosing more sensitive and specific neuroimaging tests to detect these brain changes, in addition to emphasising the importance of monitoring and maintaining adequate serum levels of vitamin D, in order to reduce possible cognitive sequelae. Results will be announced at national and international conferences.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018100074.

Restricted mean survival time versus conventional effect summary for treatment decision-making: A mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Treatment effect is typically summarized in terms of relative risk reduction or number needed to treat ("conventional effect summary"). Restricted mean survival time (RMST) summarizes treatment effect in terms of a gain or loss in event-free days. Older adults' preference between the two effect summary measures has not been studied.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed methods study using a quantitative survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews. For the survey, we enrolled 102 residents with hypertension at five senior housing facilities (mean age 81.3 years, 82 female, 95 white race). We randomly assigned respondents to either RMST-based (n = 49) or conventional decision aid (n = 53) about the benefits and harms of intensive versus standard blood pressure-lowering strategies and compared decision conflict scale (DCS) responses (range: 0 [no conflict] to 100 [maximum conflict]; <25 is associated with implementing decisions). We used a purposive sample of 23 survey respondents stratified by both their random assignment and DCS from the survey. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis explored complementary perspectives on preferred ways of summarizing treatment effects.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) total DCS was 22.0 (14.3) for the conventional decision aid group and 16.7 (14.1) for the RMST-based decision aid group (p = 0.06), but the proportion of participants with a DCS <25 was higher in the RMST-based group (26 [49.1%] vs 34 [69.4%]; p = 0.04). Qualitative interviews suggested that, regardless of effect summary measure, older individuals' preference depended on their ability to clearly comprehend quantitative information, clarity of presentation in the visual aid, and inclusion of desired information.

CONCLUSIONS

When choosing a blood pressure-lowering strategy, older adults' perceived uncertainty may be reduced with a time-based effect summary, although our study was underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference. Given highly variable individual preferences, it may be useful to present both conventional and RMST-based information in decision aids.

A web-based decision aid for shared decision making in pelvic organ prolapse: the SHADE-POP trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Among women worldwide, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common problem. There are three different treatment options for POP: pelvic floor muscle therapy, pessary treatment and prolapse surgery. As none of the three treatment options is clearly superior, shared decision making (SDM) is very important. A decision aid (DA) is known to facilitate patient participation and SDM. We hypothesise that the use of a web-based DA for POP increases patients' satisfaction with information and care and reduces decisional conflict.

METHODS

This two-arm, multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial was performed in women with POP in five different Dutch hospitals. The control group received usual care (UC) and the intervention group received the DA in addition to UC. Primary outcome measures were satisfaction with treatment decision making and satisfaction with information. Analyses were performed using independent sample t tests, Chi-squared tests, and multilevel linear regression analyses.

RESULTS

Between the DA group (n=40) and the UC group (n=56) no differences were found concerning patients' satisfaction with information, with scores of 45.63 and 46.14 out of 50 respectively (p=0.67). Also, no differences were found concerning the perceived role in decision making, as patients scored 46.83 in the DA group and 46.41 in the UC group, out of a maximum of 54 (n=0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

No differences were found concerning patients' satisfaction with information and treatment decision making between the DA and UC. However, both groups scored high on the questionnaires, which suggests that the decision process is already of high quality.

Mild Cognitive Impairment is Associated with Poorer Everyday Decision Making

BACKGROUND

Older adults are faced with many unique and highly consequential decisions such as those related to finances, healthcare, and everyday functioning (e.g., driving cessation). Given the significant impact of these decisions on independence, wellbeing, and safety, an understanding of how cognitive impairment may impact decision making in older age is important.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) on responses to a modified version of the Short Portable Assessment of Capacity for Everyday Decision making (SPACED).

METHODS

Participants were community-dwelling, actively driving older adults (N = 301; M age = 77.1 years, SD = 5.1; 69.4% with a college degree or higher; 51.2% female; 95.3% White) enrolled in the Advancing Understanding of Transportation Options (AUTO) study. A generalized linear model adjusted for age, education, sex, randomization group, cognitive assessment method, and study site was used to examine the relationship between MCI status and decision making.

RESULTS

MCI status was associated with poorer decision making; participants with MCI missed an average of 2.17 times more points on the SPACED than those without MCI (adjusted mean ratio: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.61, p = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

This finding supports the idea that older adults with MCI exhibit poorer decision-making abilities than cognitively normal older adults. It also suggests that older adults with MCI may exhibit poorer decision making across a wide range of decision contexts.

A prospective study of shared decision-making in brain tumor surgery

PURPOSE

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a key tenet of personalized care and is becoming an essential component of informed consent in an increasing number of countries. The aim of this study is to analyze patient and healthcare staff satisfaction with the SDM process before and after SDM was officially introduced as the standard of care. Decision grids are important tools in the SDM process, and we developed them for three different types of intracranial tumors.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in a high-volume neuro-oncological center on all consecutive eligible patients undergoing consideration of treatment for intracranial glioma and metastases. Twenty-two patients participated before and 74 after the introduction of SDM. Six and 5 staff members respectively participated in the analysis before and after team training and the introduction of SDM. The main outcome was patient and healthcare staff satisfaction with the SDM process.

RESULTS

Patients reported high satisfaction with the SDM process before (mean CollaboRATE score 26 of 27 points) and after (mean CollaboRATE score 26.3 of 27 points, p = 0.23) the introduction of SDM. Interestingly, staff attitude toward SDM improved significantly from 61.68 before to 90.95% after the introduction of SDM (p-value < 0.001). Decision grids that were developed for three different types of intracranial tumors are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Team training in SDM and the introduction of techniques into daily practice can increase staff satisfaction with the SDM process. High levels of patient satisfaction were observed before, with a non-significant increase after the introduction of SDM. Decision grids are an important tool to facilitate the conveyance and understanding of complex information and to achieve SDM in daily clinical practice.

Development of a values-based decision aid to determine discharge destination: Case reports of older stroke survivors and their families

BACKGROUND

Older adults affected by stroke must face a difficult choice between receiving post-discharge care at home or in a facility. This study aimed to develop a decision aid (DA) to help older adults and their families choose the place of post-discharge care based on their values.

METHODS

Values and data for designing the DA were obtained through interviews with older stroke patients and their families, a questionnaire survey of various health professionals, and a review of patients' medical records. Next, a prototypic DA was prepared and tested for comprehensibility and usability using the 12-item International Patient Decision Aid Standards instrument.

RESULTS

The DA was developed based on the following 6 values that were common among older stroke patients and their families: "activities of daily living," "services and fees," "emergencies," "family support," "environment," and "home renovation." The prototype met the criteria in the comprehensibility and usability tests.

CONCLUSION

Older stroke patients can use the DA to think through the evidence-based information matching their own values to make a more satisfactory decision. The effectiveness of this DA should further be investigated in clinical settings.

Decision aids for home and community care: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Decision aids (DAs) for clients in home and community care can support shared decision-making (SDM) with patients, healthcare teams and informal caregivers. We aimed to identify DAs developed for home and community care, verify their adherence to international DA criteria and explore the involvement of interprofessional teams in their development and use.

DESIGN

Systematic review reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

DATA SOURCES

Six electronic bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library) from inception to November 2019, social media and grey literature websites up to January 2021.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

DAs designed for home and community care settings or including home care or community services as options.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two reviewers independently reviewed citations. Analysis consisted of a narrative synthesis of outcomes and a thematic analysis. DAs were appraised using the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS). We collected information on the involvement of interprofessional teams, including nurses, in their development and use.

RESULTS

After reviewing 10 337 database citations and 924 grey literature citations, we extracted characteristics of 33 included DAs. DAs addressed a variety of decision points. Nearly half (42%) were relevant to older adults. Several DAs did not meet IPDAS criteria. Involvement of nurses and interprofessional teams in the development and use of DAs was minimal (33.3% of DAs).

CONCLUSION

DAs concerned a variety of decisions, especially those related to older people. This reflects the complexity of decisions and need for better support in this sector. There is little evidence about the involvement of interprofessional teams in the development and use of DAs in home and community care settings. An interprofessional approach to designing DAs for home care could facilitate SDM with people being cared for by teams.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020169450.

Ageing with Interstitial lung disease: preserving health and well being

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Ageing, the accrual of molecular and cellular damage over a lifetime confers progressive physiologic dysfunction of bodily systems, leaving the body in a heightened state of vulnerability to biophysical and psychosocial stressors. The inflection point is frailty which easily leads to disability and death. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) creates biophysical and psychosocial stresses difficult for even optimally fit patients to cope with. With evolving ILD treatment pathways, people with ILD are living longer.

RECENT FINDINGS

ILD and ageing are bi-directionally influential: ILD, its treatments, complications, and collateral systemic extra-pulmonary damage (hypoxic and oxidative stress) wear on the ageing person and ageing impacts a person's tolerance of ILD. ILD extent may proportionally accelerate age-related vulnerabilities. ILD related to inflammatory systemic diseases, e.g. connective tissue diseases or sarcoidosis, exert an even more complex biophysical impact on the body.

SUMMARY

The present review stresses goals of preventing frailty in ILD and preserving general health and well being of people living with ILD of any age, from time of diagnosis and as they age. The development of a prediction score is proposed to classify those at risk of frailty and guide interventions that preserve successful ageing for all levels of ILD severity.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/COPM/A32.

Leveraging the timing and frequency of patient decision aids in longitudinal shared decision-making: A narrative review and applied model

Introduction

Shared decision‐making (SDM) is intended to increase patient‐centredness of medical decision‐making for patients with acute and chronic conditions. Concurrently, patient decision aids (PtDAs) can supplement SDM by providing information to guide communication between patients and healthcare providers. Because of the prevalence of chronic conditions, where decisions may be extended or recurring, we sought to explore how effectively these tools have been leveraged in this context.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of the literature on both SDM and PtDAs, searching PubMed and Boston University's library database search tool for English‐language articles published from January 2005 until March 2021. Additional search terms focused on temporality. Drawing from our findings, we developed a combined framework to highlight areas for future research using the discussion of end‐of‐life decisions as an exemplar to illustrate its relevance to chronic care contexts.

Results

After screening 57 articles, we identified 25 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria on SDM, PtDA use and temporality for chronic care. The literature on SDM highlighted time outside of the medical visit and opportunity to include outside decision partners as important elements of the process. PtDAs were commonly evaluated for process‐related and proximal outcomes, but less often for distal outcomes. Early evidence points to the value of comparative outcome evaluation based on the timing of PtDA distribution.

Conclusion

Our review of the literature on SDM and PtDAs reveals less attention to the timing of PtDAs relative to that of SDM. We highlight the need for further study of timing in PtDA use to improve longitudinal SDM for chronic care. The model that we propose in our discussion provides a starting point for future research on PtDA efficacy.

Patient or Public Contribution

Five patient consultants provided input and feedback on the development and utility of our model.

Development and Pilot Usefulness Testing of an Interactive Computerized Patient Decision Aid for Intraocular Lens Selection Before Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

Modern cataract surgeries aim to treat impaired vision and also improve quality of life. An appropriate pre-operative selection of the intraocular lens is important to post-operative quality of life. Patients often have difficulty in choosing the best fit for individual needs. Patient decision aids (PDAs) are useful tools to assist patients in such decision-making process. However, most PDAs are paper-based and lack user interaction. This study is aimed to develop and evaluate an interactive computerized patient decision aid (cPDA) to help patients in the selection of an appropriate intraocular lens model before cataract surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients and their families who were making the decision regarding intraocular lens selection before cataract surgeries were eligible to participate in this study. A cPDA was built on an interactive robot, to help the patients in the decision-making process. The usefulness of the cPDA was measured with the Decision Self-Efficacy (DSE) scale and Preparation for Decision Making (PrepDM) scale.

RESULTS

A total of 50 participants (18 men and 32 women) were enrolled in the pilot test. The mean pre-cPDA DSE score was 46.5 ± 13.6, and the post-cPDA DSE score was 72.6 ±12.8. The average gain score on DSE was 26.1, and the standard deviation was 8.0. The gain score on DSE was statistically significant, and the effect size was bigger than 3. The patients with junior or senior high degrees had the highest gain score on DSE, and the ones with college or above degrees had the lowest. The patients with college or above degrees had the highest PrepDM score, and the ones with elementary school or below had the lowest. Age and sex were not significant correlates of PrepDM. The patients with college or above degrees had the highest preparedness, but the lowest gain on DSE.

CONCLUSION

Education levels are associated with the usefulness of cPDA, both for the preparedness and decision efficacy of patients. The results provide insight into the feasibility of cPDA for the decision-making of pre-operative intraocular lens selection.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Older Adults' Decision-Making Related to Health, and Health and Social Care Services in Daily Life-A Scoping Review

Information and communication technology (ICT) can potentially support older adults in making decisions and increase their involvement in decision-making processes. Although the range of technical products has expanded in various areas of society, knowledge is lacking on the influence that ICT has on older adults' decision-making in everyday situations. Based on the literature, we aimed to provide an overview of the role of ICT in home-dwelling older adults' decision-making in relation to health, and health and social care services. A scoping review of articles published between 2010 and 2020 was undertaken by searching five electronic databases. Finally, 12 articles using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method designs were included. The articles were published in journals representing biology and medicine, nursing, informatics, and computer science. A majority of the articles were published in the last five years, and most articles came from European countries. The results are presented in three categories: (i) form and function of ICT for decision-making, (ii) perceived value and effect of ICT for decision-making, and (iii) factors influencing ICT use for decision-making. According to our findings, ICT for decision-making in relation to health, and health and social care services was more implicitly described than explicitly described, and we conclude that more research on this topic is needed. Future research should engage older adults and health professionals in developing technology based on their needs. Further, factors that influence older adults' use of ICT should be evaluated to ensure that it is successfully integrated into their daily lives.

Effectiveness of decision aids on cancer-screening decision-making: an umbrella review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Although systematic reviews have shown how decision aids about cancer-related clinical decisions improve selection of key options and shared decision-making, whether or not particular decision aids, defined by their specific presentation formats, delivery methods and other attributes, can perform better than others in the context of cancer-screening decisions is uncertain. Therefore, we planned an overview to address this issue by using standard umbrella review methods to repurpose existing systematic reviews and their component comparative studies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects from inception through 31 December 2021 with no language restriction and perform full-text evaluation of potentially relevant articles. We will include systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials or non-randomised studies of interventions that assessed a decision aid about cancer-screening decisions and compared it with an alternative tool or conventional management in healthy average-risk adults. Two reviewers will extract data and rate the study validity according to standard quality assessment measures. Our primary outcome will be intended and actual choice and adherence to selected options. The secondary outcomes will include attributes of the option-selection process, achieving shared decision-making and preference-linked psychosocial outcomes. We will qualitatively assess study, patient and intervention characteristics and outcomes. We will also take special care to investigate the presentation format, delivery methods and quality of the included decision aids and assess the degree to which the decision aid was delivered and used as intended. If appropriate, we will perform random-effects model meta-analyses to quantitatively synthesise the results.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval is not applicable as this is a secondary analysis of publicly available data. The review results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021235957.

Patient Decision Aid Development for Older Adults With End-Stage Kidney Disease in Singapore

Introduction

In managing end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), older adults face a decision regarding whether to undergo dialysis or manage symptoms through kidney supportive care (KSC). This article describes the development of a patient decision aid (PDA) that is designed specifically for older adults with ESKD.

Methods

The decision context of the PDA was to choose a treatment between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and KSC. The development process used insights obtained from qualitative interviews with patients, informal caregivers, and health care providers. The PDA was then developed in English and Mandarin and was pilot-tested with patients, caregivers, and health care providers. We finalized the PDA based on feedback from pilot testing and performed a preliminary evaluation based on the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDASi v4.0) criteria.

Results

The final PDA consists of 2 booklets and a video. During pilot testing, patients and caregivers reported high levels of ease of understanding and usefulness with ≥92.5% providing agree/strongly agree responses for the "Content"-related criteria, and ≥75% providing agree/strongly agree responses for the "Development Process and Effectiveness"-related criteria. The final PDA met 10 of 12 IPDASi v4.0 criteria.

Conclusions

This PDA was found useful during pilot-testing. It will be used during renal counseling in Singapore to help older adults with ESKD and their caregivers make informed decisions on which treatment option is best for the patients.

Effectiveness of patient decision aids for total hip and knee arthroplasty decision-making: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of patient decision aids (PtDAs) compared to alternative interventions (including usual care) on decision quality and quality of the decision-making process for adults with hip and knee osteoarthritis considering primary elective total joint arthroplasty.

METHODS

A systematic review guided by Cochrane methods and PRISMA reporting guidelines. Studies were searched in five databases. Included studies were RCTs evaluating the effect of PtDAs on total joint arthroplasty decision-making. Study quality was appraised with Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Quality and strength of recommendations were appraised with GRADE.

RESULTS

Ten included studies were conducted in North American using the same PtDA. Compared to usual care, PtDA groups demonstrated increased decision quality (e.g., higher knowledge, more informed values-based choices) and quality of the decision making process (e.g., decreased decisional conflict) (6 trials). Secondary outcomes showed increased surgeon satisfaction within the consultation and no difference in patient satisfaction or uptake of the chosen option (surgery: RR 1.03, 95% CI = 0.84 to 1.25; I² = 66%; 4 trials). When PtDAs formtats were compared, there were similar effects but no difference between PtDAs (4 trials).

CONCLUSIONS

There was low to very low GRADE certainty of evidence for the effect of PtDAs on decision quality and quality of the decision-making process compared to usual care. No differences were found when different formats of PtDAs were compared (moderate to very low GRADE certainty of evidence).

Clinical decision support system RHINA in the diagnosis and treatment of acute or chronic rhinosinusitis

Background

Rhinosinusitis is an inflammation of the sinonasal cavity which affects roughly one in seven people per year. Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is mostly, apart from allergic etiology, caused by a viral infection and, in some cases (30–50%), by a bacterial superinfection. Antibiotics, indicated only in rare cases according to EPOS guidelines, are nevertheless prescribed in more than 80% of ARS cases, which increases the resistant bacterial strains in the population.

Methods

We have designed a clinical decision support system (CDSS), RHINA, based on a web application created in HTML 5, using JavaScript, jQuery, CCS3 and PHP scripting language. The presented CDSS RHINA helps general physicians to decide whether or not to prescribe antibiotics in patients with rhinosinusitis.

Results

In a retrospective study of a total of 1465 patients with rhinosinusitis, the CDSS RHINA presented a 90.2% consistency with the diagnosis and treatment made by the ENT specialist.

Conclusion

Patients assessed with the assistance of our CDSS RHINA would decrease the over-prescription of antibiotics, which in turn would help to reduce the bacterial resistance to the most commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-021-01599-3.

Factors Affecting Satisfaction with the Decision-Making Process and Decision Regret for Men with a New Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

For men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer the decisions about treatment options are complex and difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate any association between the extent to which men wanted to be involved in the decision making process, their satisfaction with that process, and their levels of decision regret after treatment. The study population consisted of men diagnosed with prostate cancer at a regional center in Australia. Men (n = 324) were invited to complete a mail out survey which included demographic questions, the treatment chosen, and three validated tools: The Control Preference Scale to measure the degree of control assumed when making decisions about medical interventions; the Treatment Decision-Making Satisfaction Scale (TDM- SAT) to assess satisfaction with the treatment decision making process; and the Decision Regret Scale to assess the level of regret after treatment. The majority of the 151 respondents (47% response rate) expressed an active decision control preference. There was no correlation between age and the treatment chosen or the degree of control men exerted over the decision-making process. Men who preferred a passive role were less satisfied with the decision-making process than were those who took an active or collaborative approach. A strong inverse correlation was demonstrated between regret experienced and satisfaction with the decision-making process. In conclusion, for men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, taking an active role in the treatment decision making process led to greater satisfaction with that process, which in turn reduced their chances of experiencing regret following treatment.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) for Rectal Cancer: Patient Decision-making, Postoperative Experience and Quality of Life

BACKGROUND/AIM

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) is a form of minimally invasive surgery for selected rectal cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the factors affecting patients' decision-making concerning the choice of surgical treatment as well as to measure the Quality of Life (QoL) post-TEMS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients with rectal cancer stage T1/T2-N0-M0 that underwent TEMS were studied. The questionnaires used included the Short Form SF12v2, Wexner Score (CCF-FIS) and the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ). The patients' views on experience and treatment decision were obtained with a custom-designed questionnaire. Questionnaires were completed at a mean of 6.9 years following treatment.

RESULTS

The factors that influenced the patients' decisions were: experience satisfaction (p=0.003), postoperative bowel function (p<0.001), lower incontinence score (p=0.020) and agreement of TEMS experience with preoperative information (p=0.049). Treatment experience satisfaction was associated with family support (p=0.034) and agreement with preoperative information (p=0.047), better bowel function (p=0.026) and mental QoL (MCS) (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

factors important to patients when reflecting on treatment experience are adequate and reliable information, a good QoL and the presence of family support. Clinicians should incorporate those parameters in their practice when assisting patients in making a surgical treatment choice and provide informed consent on TEMS for rectal cancer.

Do Decision Aids Benefit Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To review the effect of patient decision aids for adults making treatment decisions regarding the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of adults using patient decision aids to make treatment decisions for chronic musculoskeletal pain in the outpatient setting.

RESULTS

Of 477 records screened, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions included osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, or trapeziometacarpal joint and back pain. Thirteen studies evaluated the use of a decision aid for deciding between surgical and nonsurgical management. The remaining four studies evaluated decision aids for nonsurgical treatment options. Outcomes included decision quality, pain, function, and surgery utilization. The effects of decision aids on decision-making outcomes were mixed. Comparing decision aids with usual care, all five studies that examined knowledge scores found improvement in patient knowledge. None of the four studies that evaluated satisfaction with the decision-making process found a difference with use of a decision aid. There was limited and inconsistent data on other decision-related outcomes. Of the eight studies that evaluated surgery utilization, seven found no difference in surgery rates with use of a decision aid. Five studies made comparisons between different types of decision aids, and there was no clearly superior format.

CONCLUSIONS

Decision aids may improve patients' knowledge about treatment options for chronic musculoskeletal pain but largely did not impact other outcomes. Future efforts should focus on improving the effectiveness of decision aids and incorporating nonpharmacologic and nonsurgical management options.

Aspirin, Statins, and Primary Prevention: Opportunities for Shared Decision Making in the Face of Uncertainty

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The utility of aspirin and statins for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains ambiguous in older adults. Current guidelines and recent data are vague and inconclusive. This review seeks to summarize the landscape of primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in older adults and explore the role of shared decision making.

RECENT FINDINGS

Observational data suggest potential benefit of statin therapy in older adults. Aspirin is presently not recommended for primary prevention based on evidence from recent clinical trials. The implementation of shared decision making and decision aids in routine clinical practice remains challenging but may rise in coming years. Clinical trial data on the horizon may aid in solidifying guideline therapy for statin use. However, in the face of uncertainty, shared decision making between provider and patient should be utilized to determine whether pharmacotherapy may benefit older adults. Decision aids are an effective tool to guide this process.

Restricted mean survival time versus conventional measures for treatment decision-making

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Restricted mean survival time (RMST) summarizes treatment effect in terms of a gain or loss in the event-free days. It remains uncertain whether communicating treatment benefit and harm using RMST-based summary is more effective than conventional summary based on absolute and relative risk reduction. We compared the effect of RMST-based approach and conventional approach on decisional conflict using an example of intensive versus standard blood pressure-lowering strategies.

DESIGN

On-line survey.

SETTING

A convenience sample of patients in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred adults aged 65 and older with hypertension requiring anti-hypertensive treatment (response rate 85.5%).

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to either RMST-based summary or conventional summary about the benefit and harm of blood pressure-lowering strategies.

MEASUREMENTS

Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), ranging from 0 (no conflict) to 100 (high conflict), and preference for intensive blood pressure-lowering strategy.

RESULTS

Participants assigned to RMST-based approach (n = 100) and conventional approach (n = 100) had similar age (mean [standard deviation, SD]: 72.3 [5.6] vs 72.8 [5.5] years) and proportions of female (50 [50.0%] vs 61 [61.0%]) and white race (92 [92.0%] vs 92 [92.0%]). The mean (SD) DCS score was 25.2 (15.0) for RMST-based approach and 25.6 (14.1) for conventional approach (p = 0.84). The number (%) of participants who preferred intensive strategy was 10 (10.0%) for RMST-based approach and 14 (14.0%) for conventional approach (p = 0.52). The results were consistent in subgroups defined by age, sex, education level, cardiovascular disease status, and predicted mortality risk categories.

CONCLUSION

In a sample of relatively healthy older adults with hypertension, RMST-based approach was as effective as conventional approach on decisional conflict about choosing a blood pressure-lowering strategy. This study provides proof-of-concept evidence that RMST-based approach can be used in conjunction with absolute and relative risk reduction for communicating treatment benefit and harm in a decision aid.

Interventions for frail older inpatients: A systematic review of frailty measures and reported outcomes in randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To summarise frailty measures and outcomes reported in trials involving frail older inpatients.

METHODS

Databases were searched for randomised controlled trials enrolling frail older inpatients.

RESULTS

Twenty-four articles describing twelve trials were included. Seven trials applied six tools to measure frailty, whilst five trials employed ad hoc measures. Eighty outcomes were examined with survival and functional status reported most commonly. Nine studies trialled multidisciplinary, geriatrician-led interventions. Statistically significant between-group differences were detected for at least one outcome in ten trials. All studies represented high risk of bias within at least one domain.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity of interventions, measurement of frailty and outcomes reported limit generalisability of findings. Many articles purport to study frail patients, yet do not enrol patients using any frailty measurement tool. Utilising validated instruments to measure frailty and a standard set of health outcomes relevant to older people would assist consistent reporting and evaluation of future studies.

Effectiveness of a video-based advance care planning intervention in hospitalized elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

This study aimed to develop a video-based advance care planning intervention, and examine the effectiveness of the intervention on knowledge, behavioral intentions and advance directive signing among older patients admitted to a geriatric unit in Taiwan.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was carried out in two geriatric wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan, between June 2014 and June 2015. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 39) or control (n = 43) group. Participants in the intervention group watched a 5-min video regarding advance care planning. The control group received usual care. Structured questionnaires on advance care planning knowledge and behavioral intentions were administered to both groups before and after the intervention. Advance directive signing was carried out until 2 weeks after hospital discharge through a chart review.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed a significantly higher advance care planning knowledge score and behavioral intention score than the control group post-intervention. The rate of advance directive signing was 33.3% in the intervention group and 9.3% in the control group (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the effectiveness of video-based interventions in increasing advance care planning knowledge, behavioral intention and advance directive signing among hospitalized older patients. Geriatric wards could use our model to promote advance care planning among older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 478-484.

Modifying a Mammography Decision Aid for Older Adult Women with Risk Factors for Low Health Literacy

Background:

Guidelines recommend that before being offered mammography screening, women age 75 years and older be informed of the uncertainty of benefit and potential for harm (e.g., being diagnosed with a breast cancer that would otherwise never have shown up in one's lifetime); however, few older women are informed of the risks of mammography screening and most overestimate its benefits.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to learn from women older than age 75 years who have predisposing risk factors for low health literacy (LHL) how they make decisions about mammography screening, whether an existing decision aid (DA) on mammography screening for them was acceptable and helpful, and suggestions for improving the DA.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 women who were between ages 75 and 89 years and had predisposing risk factors for LHL (i.e., answered somewhat to not at all confident to the health literacy screening question “How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?” and/or had an education level of some college or less).

Key Results:

Findings indicate that women in this study lacked knowledge and understanding that one can decide on mammography screening based on their personal values. Women were enthusiastic about screening based on an interest in taking care of themselves but rely on their providers for health care decisions. Overall, most women found the DA helpful and would recommend the use of the DA.

Conclusions:

Findings from this study provide formative data to test the efficacy of the modified DA in practice. Failing to consider the informational needs of adults with LHL in design of DAs could inadvertently exacerbate existing inequalities in health. It is essential that DAs consider older women's diverse backgrounds and educational levels to support their decision-making. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2021;5(2):e78–e90.]

Plain Language Summary:

The goal of this research was to understand how women older than age 75 years with risk factors for low health literacy made decisions about getting mammograms, whether an educational pamphlet was helpful, and suggestions for improving it. This research helps in understanding how to involve this population in the process of designing patient-related materials for mammogram decision-making.

A quasi-experimental evaluation of advance care planning improves consistency between elderly individuals and their surrogates regarding end-of-life care preferences: Development and application of a decision aid with cartoon pictures

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to develop a decision aid with cartoon pictures and evaluate its effectiveness in increasing consistency between elderly individuals and their surrogates regarding end-of-life care.

METHODS

A pre-post quasi-experimental design was adopted using the Life Support Preferences Questionnaire. The intervention had two components: (1) increasing participants' knowledge of medical treatments related to end-of-life care, and (2) sharing their end-of-life wishes. The experimental group received an intervention, whereas the control group received usual care.

RESULTS

A total of 110 participants in 55 pairs of elderly individuals with average aged 86.4 and their surrogates (27 in the experimental group, 28 in the control group) were recruited from a veterans hospital in northern Taiwan. Nearly 90 % of elderly individuals were male. The multiple linear regression showed that the inconsistent gap between elderly individuals and their surrogates in the experimental group decreased 12 points than the control group after controlling the covariances (B = -12.116, p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

The intervention improved the consistency between elderly individuals and their surrogates regarding end-of-life care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

A decision aid with cartoon pictures may support the discussion of end-of-life care in older Asian populations.

Basing Information on Comprehensive, Critically Appraised, and Up-to-Date Syntheses of the Scientific Evidence: An Update from the International Patient Decision Aid Standards

BACKGROUND

Patients and clinicians expect the information in patient decision aids to be based on the best available research evidence. The objectives of this International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) review were to 1) check the currency of, and where needed, update evidence for the domain of "basing the information in decision aids on comprehensive, critically appraised, and up-to-date syntheses of the evidence"; 2) analyze the evidence characteristics of decision aids; and 3) propose updates to relevant IPDAS criteria.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and PubMed to inform updates of this domain's definitions, justifications, and components. We also searched 5 sources to identify all publicly available decision aids (N = 471). Two assessors independently extracted each aid's evidence characteristics.

RESULTS

Minor updates to the definitions and theoretical justifications of this IPDAS domain are provided and changes to relevant IPDAS criteria proposed. Nearly all aids (97%) provided a year of creation/update, but most (81%) did not report an explicit update or expiration policy. No scientific references were cited in 33% of aids. Of the 314 that cited at least 1 reference, 39% cited at least 1 guideline, 44% cited at least 1 systematic review, and 23% cited at least 1 randomized trial. In 35%, it was unclear what statement in the aid the citations referred to. Only 14% reported any of the processes used to find and decide on evidence inclusion. Only 14% reported the evidence quality. Many emerging issues and future research areas were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Although many emerging issues need to be addressed, this IPDAS domain is validated and criteria refined. High-quality patient decision aids should be based on comprehensive and up-to-date syntheses of critically appraised evidence.

Barriers and facilitators for shared decision making in older patients with multiple chronic conditions: a systematic review

Background

The aim of this study was to describe barriers and facilitators for shared decision making (SDM) as experienced by older patients with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), informal caregivers and health professionals.

Methods

A structured literature search was conducted with 5 databases. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility and performed a quality assessment. The results from the included studies were summarized using a predefined taxonomy.

Results

Our search yielded 3838 articles. Twenty-eight studies, listing 149 perceived barriers and 67 perceived facilitators for SDM, were included. Due to poor health and cognitive and/or physical impairments, older patients with MCCs participate less in SDM. Poor interpersonal skills of health professionals are perceived as hampering SDM, as do organizational barriers, such as pressure for time and high turnover of patients. However, among older patients with MCCs, SDM could be facilitated when patients share information about personal values, priorities and preferences, as well as information about quality of life and functional status. Informal caregivers may facilitate SDM by assisting patients with decision support, although informal caregivers can also complicate the SDM process, for example, when they have different views on treatment or the patient’s capability to be involved. Coordination of care when multiple health professionals are involved is perceived as important.

Conclusions

Although poor health is perceived as a barrier to participate in SDM, the personal experience of living with MCCs is considered valuable input in SDM. An explicit invitation to participate in SDM is important to older adults. Health professionals need a supporting organizational context and good communication skills to devise an individualized approach for patient care.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02050-y.

Preference for and understanding of graphs presenting health risk information. The role of age, health literacy, numeracy and graph literacy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate 1) younger (< 65) and older (> 65) adults' preference for and understanding of graph formats presenting risk information, and 2) the contribution of age, health literacy, numeracy and graph literacy in understanding information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess preferences, participants (n = 219 < 65 and n = 227>65) were exposed to a storyboard presenting six types of graphs. Understanding (verbatim and gist knowledge) was assessed in an experiment using a 6 (graphs: clock, bar, sparkplug, table, pie vs pictograph) by 2 (age: younger [<65] vs older [>65]) between-subjects design.

RESULTS

Most participants preferred clock, pie or bar chart. Pie was not well understood by both younger and older people, and clock not by older people. Bar was fairly well understood in both groups. Table yielded high knowledge scores, particularly in the older group. Lower age, higher numeracy and higher graph literacy contributed to higher verbatim knowledge scores. Higher health literacy and graph literacy were associated with higher gist knowledge.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Although not the preferred format, tables are best understood by older adults.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Graph literacy skills are essential for both verbatim and gist understanding, and are important to take into account when developing risk information.

Evaluation of a Novel Decision Guide "Go to the Hospital or Stay Here?" for Nursing Home Residents and Families: A Randomized Trial

Initiatives to reduce potentially preventable hospitalizations of nursing home residents have focused on staff response to changes in condition and advance care planning. Yet, resident and family insistence on transfer has been one of the most intractable sources of these hospitalizations, although not the target of active intervention until now. Consented residents and family members in the intervention group received a newly developed decision aid entitled, "Go to the Hospital or Stay Here?," providing information on the risks and benefits of transfer versus remaining in the nursing home. This person-centered decision aid was developed from the results of 271 interviews of residents, families, and providers to identify what they wanted to know and any misunderstandings surrounding the transfer process. Engaging residents in the decision respects their right to participate and provides the information they need to make a deliberative decision. The intervention group showed a gain in knowledge and reduction in decisional conflict but reported decreased decisional preparation. There was no decrease in transfers compared to the control group. Evaluation of the decision guide by residents and families was positive.

TARGETS

Nursing home residents and their family members.

INTERVENTION

To provide information regarding the decision to stay in the nursing home or transfer to acute care due to a change in condition.

MECHANISMS OF ACTION

Decision aid "Go the "Hospital or Stay Here?" to impart knowledge regarding the decision to remain in the nursing home or transfer to acute care.

OUTCOMES

Use of the Guide was found to increase residents' and family members' knowledge and decrease decisional conflict, but it did not increase decisional preparation. No reduction in transfers was found. Residents and families rated the Guide as very helpful. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(6), 309-319.].