Decision Aid for COPD Patients Considering Inhaled Steroid Therapy
Author Information
Author(s): Akl Elie A, Grant Brydon JB, Guyatt Gordon H, Montori Victor M, Schünemann Holger J
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo
Hypothesis
Can a decision aid improve the decision-making process for COPD patients considering inhaled steroid therapy?
Conclusion
The developed decision aid significantly improved patients' knowledge and reduced decisional conflict regarding inhaled steroid therapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients evaluated 10 out of 13 items of the decision aid positively.
- There was a significant improvement on both the knowledge scale and the decisional conflict scale after using the decision aid.
- The decision aid incorporates four different decision-making models.
Takeaway
This study created a tool to help COPD patients decide if they should use inhaled steroids, making it easier for them to understand their options.
Methodology
The decision aid was developed using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and pilot tested with 8 COPD patients who completed various evaluation scales.
Potential Biases
The pilot testing involved a small sample size, which may not represent the broader COPD patient population.
Limitations
The effectiveness of the decision aid has not yet been evaluated in a larger population, and it may not be suitable for older patients who are less computer literate.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":69,"gender_distribution":{"female":3,"male":5},"education_levels":{"less_than_high_school":1,"high_school":5,"college":1,"graduate_degree":1},"ethnic_distribution":{"caucasian":7,"african_american":1},"computer_literacy":{"computer_user":2,"internet_user":1}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.008
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.58 to 0.84
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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