Shared decision making and other variables as correlates of satisfaction with health care decisions in a United States national survey

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between shared decision-making (SDM) and satisfaction with decision (SWD) within a larger survey of patient decision-making in health care consultations.

Methods

A randomly selected age-proportionate national sample of adults (aged 21–70 years) stratified on race, ethnicity, and gender (N = 488) was recruited from a health research volunteer registry and completed an online survey with reference to a recent health consultation. Measures included the Shared Decision Making-9 questionnaire (SDM-Q-9), Satisfaction With Decision (SWD) scale, sociodemographic, health, and other standardized decision-making measures. Forward selection weighted multiple regression analysis was used to model correlates of SWD.

Results

After controlling for sociodemographic variables, SDM-Q-9 total score was associated with SWD, adjusted R² = .368, p < .001. Three of nine SDM-Q-9 items accounted for significant proportions of variance in SWD.

Conclusion

SDM was positively associated with SWD and was strongest for three areas of SDM: patients being helped in a health care consultation with understanding information, with treatment preference elicitation, and with weighing options thoroughly.

Practice implications

By identifying variables such as SDM that are associated with SWD, health care interventions can better target modifiable factors to enhance satisfaction and other outcomes.     

Association of conflicting information from healthcare providers and poor shared decision making with suboptimal adherence in direct oral anticoagulant treatment: A cross-sectional study in patients with atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveTo assess direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) adherence and to determine possible determinants for suboptimal adherence in Dutch patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsCross-sectional study of DOAC users who completed a self-reported questionnaire. Adherence was measured with Morisky8-item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate determinants affecting adherence.Results398 DOAC users completed the questionnaire (mean age 70.6 ± 9.2years). Approximately one in four patients had suboptimal adherence (MMAS-8 < 8). Multivariable analysis showed that patients who felt to have received conflicting information about the treatment, patients with higher educational level and patients who were not sufficiently involved in the treatment choice had a higher odds of suboptimal adherence.ConclusionDOAC adherence was suboptimal. Conflicting information received from different healthcare providers (HCPs), lack of shared decision making and the patients’ educational level were determinants negatively affecting DOAC adherence.Practice implicationsEfforts towards identifying suboptimally adherent DOAC patients are needed since they are at higher risk to develop thromboembolic events. Adherence counselling should be systematically and repeatedly encouraged and shared decision making should become more mainstream. Moreover, reinforced education of both patients and HCPs combined with interprofessional collaboration are potential solutions to prevent knowledge gaps and communication of conflicting information.     

Shared decision making process measures and patient problems

ObjectivesPurposeful SDM posits four modes of shared decision making (SDM). The use of each mode depends on the type of problem of care that is being addressed. We sought to identify how current observer-based SDM measures apply to each mode of Purposeful SDM.MethodsFour coders, working independently, evaluated 192 items pertaining to 12 observer-based SDM process measures. They classified the items into 6 themes that vary across Purposeful SDM modes and then into one of the four modes (weighing, negotiating, problem-solving, developing insight). Disagreements were resolved by consensus.ResultsThe items were classified as pertaining to the following themes: problem (28), roles/participation (84), options (62), preferences (21), decision (15), and evaluation (6). They were then classified as pertaining particularly to the SDM modes of weighing (54), negotiating (5), problem-solving (0), and developing insight (0) modes, with 191 items applying broadly to all modes of Purposeful SDM.ConclusionsObserver-based SDM measures describe behaviors pertinent to all modes but lack items sensitive to behaviors particular to some modes of SDM.Practice ImplicationsNew or revised observer-based measures of the SDM process could help estimate the extent to which the appropriate SDM mode is being used to address the patient’s problem.     

Option Grids: Shared decision making made easier

Objective

To describe the exploratory use of short decision support tools for patients, called Option Grids. Option Grids are summary tables, using one side of paper to enable rapid comparisons of options, using questions that patients frequently ask (FAQs) and designed for face-to-face clinical encounters. To date, most evidence about ‘patient decision aids’ has been based on tools with high content levels, designed for patients to use independently, either before or after visits.

Methods

We studied the use of Option Grids in a quality improvement project, collecting field notes and conducting interviews with clinical teams.

Results

In the ‘Making Good Decisions in Collaboration’ (MAGIC) program, clinicians found that using Option Grids made it easier to explain the existence of options and reported a ‘handover’ effect, where patient involvement in decision making was enhanced.

Conclusion

Option Grids made options more visible and clinicians found it easier to undertake shared decision making when these tools were available. Used in a collaborative way, they enhance patients’ confidence and voice, increasing their involvement in collaborative dialogs.

Practice implications

Further work to confirm these preliminary findings is required, to measure processes and to assess whether these tools have similar impact in other clinical settings.     

Factors associated with level of shared decision making in Malaysian primary care consultations

ObjectiveTo measure the level of shared decision-making (SDM) in primary care consultations in Malaysia, a multicultural, middle-income developing country.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban, public primary care clinic. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, and audio-recorded consultations were scored for SDM levels by two independent raters using the OPTION tool. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine factors significantly associated with SDM levels.Results199 patients and 31 doctors participated. Mean consultation time was 14.3 min (+ SD 5.75). Patients’ age ranged from 18 to 87 years (median age of 57.5 years). 52.8 % of patients were female, with three main ethnicities (Malay, Chinese, Indian). The mean OPTION score was found to be 7.8 (+ SD 3.31) out of 48. After a multivariate analysis, only patient ethnicity (β= -0.142, p < 0.05) and increased consultation time (β = 0.407, p < 0.01) were associated with higher OPTION scores.ConclusionsPatients in Malaysia experience extremely poor levels of SDM in general practice. Higher scores were associated with increased consultation time and patient ethnicity.Practice implicationsMalaysian general practitioners should aim to develop and practice cultural competency skills to avoid biased SDM practice towards certain ethnicities.     

Time perspective and medication adherence among individuals with hypertension or diabetes mellitus

Objective

The study determined if time perspective was associated with medication adherence among people with hypertension and diabetes.

Methods

Using the Health Beliefs Model, we used path analysis to test direct and indirect effects of time perspective and health beliefs on adherence among 178 people who participated in a community-based survey near Washington, D.C. We measured three time perspectives (future, present fatalistic, and present hedonistic) with the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and medication adherence by self-report.

Results

The total model demonstrated a good fit (RMSEA = 0.17, 90% CI [0.10, 0.28], p = 0.003; comparative fit index = 0.91). Future time perspective and age showed direct effects on increased medication adherence; an increase by a single unit in future time perspective was associated with a 0.32 standard deviation increase in reported adherence. There were no significant indirect effects of time perspective with reported medication adherence through health beliefs.

Conclusion

The findings provide the first evidence that time perspective plays an under-recognized role as a psychological motivator in medication adherence.

Practice implications

Patient counseling for medication adherence may be enhanced if clinicians incorporate consideration of the patient's time perspective.     

Quality of decision making is related to decision outcome for patients with cardiac arrhythmia

Objective

Clinical consultations with patients should be informed by the evidence-based and involve shared decision making (SDM). We aimed to determine the delivery of SDM by clinicians with patients referred for invasive treatment of cardiac electrical disease and to establish whether decisions made corresponded with patient and referring physician expectations.

Methods

Forty-nine outpatient consultations with two consultant cardiologists in one large tertiary centre were audio-recorded. Demographic data, diagnosis, reasons for referral and decision reached were compared directly with patient and referring physician expectations. The OPTION instrument was used to measure SDM. Patient expectations and satisfaction were elicited.

Results

Quality of SDM was good (mean OPTION score 49%) and there was broad patient satisfaction. While all patients were suitable for invasive treatment, and the majority (80%, n = 39) had been explicitly referred for it, only 59% (n = 29) opted to proceed. Consultation quality with respect to SDM was significantly greater for patients choosing a less invasive option.

Conclusion

These consultations often change expected management. Where decision making in the consultation is of higher quality, patients were more likely to change to a less invasive option.

Practice implications

Clinicians performing invasive cardiac treatment should be able to demonstrate high quality decision making.     

出院后个体化护理干预对老年糖尿病患者用药依从性的影响

目的观察出院后个体护理干预对老年糖尿病患者用药依从性的影响效果。 方法选择2012年1月至2012年12月首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院医保内科住院的老年2型糖尿病患者60例,设为常规护理组。2013年1月至2013年12月60例老年2型糖尿病患者设为个体化护理干预组。两组患者住院期间均采用常规护理方法,个体化护理干预组患者出院后由糖尿病专科护士对患者每周2次电话随访,在出院随访3个月后将患者常规复查的血糖化验结果进行资料收集并对患者进行用药依从性评估问卷调查,比较两组患者用药依从性的差异。 结果个体化护理干预组Morisky评分(8.12±0.35)分高于常规护理组(5.64±0.53)分,两组比较差异有统计学意义(t＝2.751, P＝0.032)。个体化护理干预组依从性好于常规护理组,差异有统计学意义(χ²＝17.879, P<0.05)。两组患者出院后3个月空腹血糖、餐后2 h血糖、糖化血红蛋白水平较入院时均有所改善,差异均有统计学意义(P值均小于0.05)。个体化护理干预组经3个月的护理干预后空腹血糖、餐后2 h血糖、糖化血红蛋白水平较常规护理组改善更明显,差异均有显著性统计学意义(P值均小于0.01)。 结论个体化护理干预可有效地提高老年糖尿病患者的用药依从性,更有效地帮助老年糖尿病患者达到控制血糖的目的。     

Measuring critical deficits in shared decision making before elective surgery

Objective

Identifying patient factors correlated with specific needs in preoperative decision making is of clinical and ethical importance. We examined patterns and predictors of deficiencies in informed surgical consent and shared decision-making in preoperative patients.

Methods

Validated measures were used to survey 1034 preoperative patients in the preoperative clinic after signed informed consent. Principal component analysis defined correlated groupings of factors. Multivariable analysis assessed patient factors associated with resultant groupings.

Results

13% of patients exhibited deficits in their informed consent process; 33% exhibited other types of deficits. Informed consent deficits included not knowing the procedure being performed or risks and benefits. Other deficits included not having addressed patient values, preferences and goals. Non-English language and lower educational level were factors correlated with higher risk for deficits.

Conclusion

Deficits exist in over a third of patients undergoing preoperative decision-making. Sociodemographic factors such as language and educational level identified particularly vulnerable groups at risk for having an incomplete, and possibly ineffective, decision-making process.

Practice implications

Interventions to identify vulnerable groups and address patient centered surgical decision making in the pre-operative setting are needed. Focused interventions to address the needs of at-risk patients have potential to improve the surgical decision-making process and reduce disparities.     

Treatment decision making involving patients with dementia in acute care: A scoping review

Objective

To summarize the evidence regarding the factors and processes of treatment decision making involving a person with dementia (PWD) in the acute care setting.

Predictors of adherence to diabetes medications: the role of disease and medication beliefs

Despite the effectiveness of drug therapy in diabetes management high rates of poor adherence persist. The purpose of this study was to identify potentially modifiable patient disease and medication beliefs associated with poor medication adherence among people with diabetes. A cohort of patients with diabetes was recruited from an urban primary-care clinic in New York City. Patients were interviewed in English or Spanish about: disease beliefs, medication beliefs, regimen complexity, diabetes knowledge, depression, self-efficacy, and medication adherence (Morisky scale). Logistic regression was used to identify multivariate predictors of poor medication adherence (Morisky > 1). Patients (n = 151) had diabetes for an average of 13 years with a mean HgA1C of 7.6 (SD 1.7). One-in-four (28%) were poor adherers to their diabetes medicines. In multivariate analyses, predictors of poor medication adherence were: believing you have diabetes only when your sugar is high (OR = 7.4;2–27.2), saying there was no need to take medicine when the glucose was normal (OR = 3.5;0.9–13.7), worrying about side-effects of diabetes medicines (OR = 3.3;1.3–8.7), lack of self-confidence in controlling diabetes (OR = 2.8;1.1–7.1), and feeling medicines are hard to take (OR = 14.0;4.4–44.6). Disease and medication beliefs inconsistent with a chronic disease model of diabetes were significant predictors of poor medication adherence. These suboptimal beliefs are potentially modifiable and are logical targets for educational interventions to improve diabetes self-management.     

Patient-important outcomes to inform shared decision making and goal setting for diabetes treatment

ObjectiveDespite well-established treatment guidelines, diabetes is difficult to manage for many individuals. The importance of using shared decision making to optimize diabetes treatment is recognized, yet what matters most to individuals with diabetes is not well established. Our goal was to identify patients’ goals and priorities for diabetes management.MethodsWe engaged 141 participants through interviews and group concept mapping to identify patient-important outcomes (PIOs) for diabetes care. We generated a master list of PIOs by aggregating interview data coded to “goals” and ideas brainstormed during concept mapping, and then a patient advisory board sorted the PIOs into higher-level domains.ResultsWe identified 41 PIOs sorted into 7 broad domains: optimize daily self-care, optimize long term health, learn about diabetes, achieve measurable goals, manage medications, manage diet and best utilize medical / professional services.ConclusionsMost (4/7) of PIO domains focused on personal and life goals, not medically-oriented goals. Use of these PIOs and domains may facilitate more effective SDM discussions for patients with diabetes.Practice implicationsUse of PIOs from this work can enable the empowerment of patients to voice their priorities during SDM conversations, thus facilitating development of truly individualized diabetes treatment plans.     

Shared decision making seen through the lens of professional identity formation

The finding in the article by Driever et al.; "Shared decision,making: Physicians' preferred role, usual role and their perception of its key components" of lower preferred and practiced SDM role in residents in favour of a paternalistic role, compared to their more seasoned colleagues deserves more in depth, qualitative research.Because our residents are tomorrows doctors, I would strongly encourage the authors of this insightful article to consider research focused on residents as the next step in their research on SDM and to see this future research through a 'medical-education-PIF-lens'. The multi-level professionalism framework, designed as a framework for reflection and development in medical education might be of help is this future research.     

Motivational interviewing and shared decision making in primary care

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess general practitioners’ (GP) readiness to involve obese patients in therapy decision making and to determine whether they integrate motivational interviewing techniques.

Methods

Fifty-eight preventive Check-up 35 encounters with overweight and obese patients in primary care were audio recorded in 12 GP practices. The use of motivational interviewing techniques was rated with the Behavior Change Counseling Index (BECCI). The involvement in medical decisions was rated with the Observing Patient Involvement Scale (OPTION).

Results

OPTION and BECCI scores were low (means = 0.71 and 1.65), indicating minimal implementation of shared decision making and motivational interviewing in preventive encounters with these patients. GPs used more motivational interviewing for patients with a BMI > 30 kg/m² than for those with a BMI < 30 kg/m². Female GPs had significantly higher shared decision making scores, indicating that they prefer to involve patients in medical decisions. GPs differed significantly in their use of both approaches.

Conclusions

Shared decision making and motivational interviewing, though known to be successful strategies in lifestyle counseling, are rarely used during obesity encounters in our sample of German GPs.

Practice implications

GPs should be sensitized and trained in the application of these methods.     

Remote shared decision making through telemedicine: A systematic review of the literature

ObjectivesTo assess the extent to which shared decision making (SDM) can take place in telemedicine (remote SDM).MethodsWe searched Medline, Cochrane, and Scopus from 2010 until August 7th, 2020 for articles on remote SDM in the care of any patient using any technology. We also conducted a search for telemedicine articles citing key reports on SDM outcome measures. Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, reviewed full text eligible studies, and synthesized their content using thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 12 eligible articles, most were European with patients with chronic disease or mental and behavioral health. 8 articles used synchronous remote SDM and 1 used asynchronous remote SDM. Themes related to interactional workability of both telemedicine technologies and SDM emerged, namely access to broadband, digital literacy, and satisfaction with the convenience of remote visits.ConclusionsTelemedicine technologies may foster virtual interactions that support remote SDM, which, in turn, may promote productive patient-clinician interactions and patient-centered care.Practice implicationsDigitally-mediated consultations surged amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The extent to which SDM frameworks developed for in-person use need any adaptation for remote SDM remains unclear. Investment in innovation, design, implementation, and effectiveness research to advance remote SDM are needed.     

Understanding patient perceptions of shared decision making

Objective

This study aims to develop a conceptual model of patient-defined SDM, and understand what leads patients to label a specific, decision-making process as shared.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 primary care patients following a recent appointment. Patients were asked about the meaning of SDM and about specific decisions that they labeled as shared. Interviews were coded using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Patients’ conceptual definition of SDM included four components of an interactive exchange prior to making the decision: both doctor and patient share information, both are open-minded and respectful, patient self-advocacy, and a personalized physician recommendation. Additionally, a long-term trusting relationship helps foster SDM. In contrast, when asked about a specific decision labeled as shared, patients described a range of interactions with the only commonality being that the two parties came to a mutually agreed-upon decision.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits all process that leads patients to label a decision as shared. Rather, the outcome of “agreement” may be more important than the actual decision-making process for patients to label a decision as shared.

Practice implications

Studies are needed to better understand how longitudinal communication between patient and physicians and patient self-advocacy behaviors affect patient perceptions of SDM.