Open Access

ARTICLE

Clinical use of patient decision-making aids for stone patients

Amy H. Lim¹, Necole M. Streeper², Sara L. Best¹, Kristina L. Penniston¹, Stephen Y. Nakada¹

1 Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
2 Department of Urology, Penn State, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
Address correspondence to Dr. Amy H. Lim, Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Third Floor, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA

Canadian Journal of Urology 2017, 24(4), 8890-8894.

Abstract

Introduction: Patient decision-making aids (PDMAs) help patients make informed healthcare decisions and improve patient satisfaction. The utility of PDMAs for patients considering treatments for urolithiasis has not yet been published. We report our experience using PDMAs developed at our institution in the outpatient clinical setting in patients considering a variety of treatment options for stones.
Materials and methods: Patients with radiographically confirmed urolithiasis were given PDMAs regarding treatment options for their stone(s) based on their clinical profile. We assessed patients' satisfaction, involvedness, and feeling of making a more informed decision with utilization of the PDMAs using a Likert Scale Questionnaire. Information was also collected regarding previous stone passage, history and type of surgical intervention for urolithiasis, and level of education.
Results: Patients (n = 43; 18 males, 23 females and two unknown) 53 ± 14 years old were included. Patients reported that they understood the advantages and disadvantages outlined in the PDMAs (97%), that the PDMAs helped them make a more informed decision (83%) and felt more involved in the decision making process (88%). Patients reported that the aids were presented in a balanced manner and used up-to-date scientific information (100%, 84% respectively). Finally, a majority of the patients prefer an expert's opinion when making a treatment decision (98%) with 73% of patients preferring to form their own opinion based on available information. Previous stone surgery was associated with patients feeling more involved with the decision making process (p = 0.0465).
Conclusions: PDMAs have a promising role in shared decision-making in the setting of treatment options for nephrolithiasis.

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