Development and initial evaluation of a patient decision aid to support decision-making in care-seeking patients with subacromial pain syndrome in primary care

Lyng, Kristian D., Bengtsen, Samantha C., Zadro, Joshua R., Foster, Nadine E., Olesen, Jens L., Thomsen, Janus L., Søndergaard, Jens, Elwyn, Glyn, Evans, Rhiannon E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0239-6331, Malliaras, Peter, Lowry, Véronique, Desmeules, François and Rathleff, Michael S. 2026. Development and initial evaluation of a patient decision aid to support decision-making in care-seeking patients with subacromial pain syndrome in primary care. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice 84 , 103595. 10.1016/j.msksp.2026.103595

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (4MB)

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the development and initial evaluation of a patient decision aid tailored for care-seeking patients with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) in primary care. Methods: A previously tested decision aid was adapted using the ADAPT guidance, with additional items developed based on the International Patient Decision Aid Standards and the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. A prototype was alpha-tested through think-aloud interviews with 10 patients and 10 healthcare professionals from various disciplines. Participants rated their readiness using the Preparation for Decision-Making (PrepDM) questionnaire and assessed face validity via the QQ-10 questionnaire. Feedback from participants, a project group, and a reference group (n = 26) informed revisions. The updated prototype was beta-tested with 23 primary care patients. Patients completed the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), EQ-5D-3L, and Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) before, after, and two weeks following exposure to the decision aid. The Decision Regret Scale (DRS) was completed after two weeks. Thirteen follow-up interviews were conducted, guided by the SUNDAE reporting framework. Results: The final prototype included 10 treatment options and was considered acceptable and helpful during alpha-testing. Beta-testing showed a reduction in DCS from 40 ± 18 at baseline to 25 ± 18 after two weeks, indicating reduced decisional conflict. The DRS score (25 ± 9) reflected low regret. SPADI and EQ-5D-3L scores remained stable. Interviews confirmed high acceptability and practical value in clinical settings. Conclusions: The decision aid shows promise in supporting shared decision-making for SAPS in primary care. Practice implications: Further evaluation is needed to assess long-term impact and implementation.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Social Sciences (Includes Criminology and Education) Research Institutes & Centres > Centre For Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement (DECIPHer)
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	2468-8630
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	22 June 2026
Date of Acceptance:	5 June 2026
Last Modified:	22 Jun 2026 10:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/187674

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item