Published in

SAGE Publications, Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 1(16), p. 48-52, 2010

DOI: 10.1258/jtt.2009.001012

RCN Publishing (RCNi), Primary Health Care, 10(20), p. 14-14

DOI: 10.7748/phc.20.10.14.s27

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Feasibility of web-based decision aids in neurological patients

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Decision aids (DAs) may be helpful in improving patients' participation in medical decision-making. We investigated the potential for web-based DAs in a rehabilitation population. Two self-administered DAs focused on the treatment of acquired ankle-foot impairment in stroke and the treatment of arm-hand function in cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). Data collection comprised a telephone interview and a self-reported paper questionnaire. Of the patients who agreed to participate, 39 stroke patients (44%) and 38 patients with SCI (78%) returned a questionnaire. More than 75% of patients expressed a need for more information about the treatment of disease-related impairment. The DAs were highly appreciated by both patient groups. Nearly all patients expressed a positive attitude towards the use of the web-based DAs in general practice. The DAs had a positive effect on the knowledge about the treatment alternatives in the stroke patients ( P = 0.001), although not in the patients with SCI. The DAs reduced patients' conflict about treatment ( P < 0.05). The effect of the DAs on patients' desired role in decision-making was limited. Web-based aids are feasible in the rehabilitation population with access to a computer and can improve the knowledge gaps in patients.