Shared decision making between registrars and patients--web based decision aids.
BACKGROUND
Current evidence suggests that doctors do not always involve patients in decisions; this may be due to lack of training. This study explores the feasibility of using web based decision aids (DAs) to improve the skills of general practice registrars in sharing decisions with patients.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with registrars to explore their attitudes to shared decision making. Following an educational intervention, registrars were asked to adopt shared decision making within their consultations using DAs as appropriate. The registrars were interviewed again to explore their experiences and any barriers to the process.


RESULTS
Registrars had positive views about the shared decision making process but required more training. They had mixed opinions about the use of DAs and identified several barriers to their use. They felt that they had learned from the project and process without necessarily wanting to pursue the use of DAs as interactive tools, preferring to use them as educational resources.
Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. jthistle@med.usyd.edu.au
Jill
J
Thistlethwaite
Clare
C
Heal
Rod Nan
RN
Tie
Rebecca
R
Evans
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012042:Registries; D015203:Reproducibility of Results