title: Concise evaluation of decision aids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Decision aids purport to help patients make treatment related choices. Several instruments exist to evaluate decision aids. Our aim is to compare the responsiveness of several instruments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two different decision aids were randomized in patients at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Treatment choices were between prophylactic surgery and screening. Effect sizes were calculated to compare the responsiveness of the measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One decision aid was randomized in 390 women, the other in 91 ensuing mutation carriers. Three factors were identified related to Information, Well-being and Decision Making. Within each factor, single item measures were as responsive as multi-item measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Four single items, 'the amount of information received for decision making,' 'strength of preference,' 'I weighed the pros and cons,' and 'General Health,' were adequately responsive to the decision aids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These items might be considered for inclusion in questionnaires to evaluate decision aids.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen (PFMS, MSR), Nijmegen, The Netherlands. P.Stalmeier@ebh.umcn.nl
authors.forename: Peep F M
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Stalmeier
authors.forename: Marielle S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Roosmalen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010174:Pamphlets; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D014743:Videotape Recording / Q000592:standards