Concise evaluation of decision aids.
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.
Stalmeier
Peep F M
PF
Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen (PFMS, MSR), Nijmegen, The Netherlands. P.Stalmeier@ebh.umcn.nl
Roosmalen
Marielle S
MS
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