title: Option Grids: shared decision making made easier.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, UK. glynelwyn@gmail.com
authors.forename: Glyn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Elwyn
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Joseph-Williams
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cording
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomson
authors.forename: Marie-Anne
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Durand
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010358:Patient Participation; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D058996:Quality Improvement