VA TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
PROJECT REPORT – PATIENT SUMMARY
ON
Shared Decision-Making Programs:
A Descriptive Analysis of VA Experiences and a Systematic Review of the Evidence of Shared Decision-Making Programs for Prostate Care

In this report:

• What are Shared Decision-Making Programs?
• What Shared Decision-Making Programs are used at the VHA?
• What are the programs like?
• Why did the VHA implement Shared Decision-Making Programs for prostate care?
• Why was the VHA interested in Shared Decision-Making Programs?
• How did the VHA investigate this topic?
• What did the VHA find?
• How did patients respond to Shared Decision-Making Programs?
• How will this report affect patient care?

What are Shared Decision-Making Programs?
Shared decision-making programs are videos designed to educate patients about the benefits and possible harms of alternative treatments. The information provided is up-to-date and on a specific topic.

What Shared Decision-Making Programs are used at the VHA?
Shared decision-making programs are being used mainly for patients receiving treatment for different prostate problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer and screening tests for prostate specific antigen.

What are the programs like?
The programs are usually 1 hour long. The first 30 minutes is material about a specific medical condition with a description of each treatment option. This is followed by 30 minutes of an optional “Learn More” section. Interviews from patients who selected particular treatments are included.

Why did the VHA implement Shared Decision-Making Programs for prostate care?
Prostate diseases are among the most common health problems in the veteran population. Shared decision-making programs are one of the best tools available to educate patients and to promote their involvement in decision making regarding their healthcare.

Why was the VHA interested in Shared Decision-Making Programs?
The VHA wants to improve the quality of healthcare for all veterans. By working with their health care providers, patients can make an informed decision that is right for them.

How did the VHA investigate this topic?
The VHA reviewed the medical literature to determine how shared decision-making programs affect patient education and healthcare.

What did the VHA find?
The VHA found that patients who viewed shared decision-making videos for prostate care were more knowledgeable about their medical condition and more satisfied with the decision making process and the treatment. These patients actively shared in the decision-making process regarding treatment.

How did patients respond to Shared Decision-Making Programs?
Most patients liked the videos. They reported the programs were easy to understand, explained the information clearly and from all sides, had the right amount of information and were the right length.

How will this report affect patient care?
This report will help the VHA decide whether to incorporate shared decision-making videos into other medical conditions to improve the delivery of health care to more veterans.

Websites with more information on this topic

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