decisionaids

Decision aids are tools designed to help people make informed decisions, particularly in healthcare. They present information about medical conditions, diagnostic tests, and treatment options in a clear and understandable way. This information typically includes the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives associated with each choice. Decision aids aim to support shared decision-making between patients and clinicians, ensuring that patient values and preferences are considered alongside medical evidence. They can take various forms, such as pamphlets, websites, videos, or interactive computer programs. The goal is to empower individuals to actively participate in their care and choose options that align with their personal goals and circumstances. Research suggests that using decision aids can improve patient knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and lead to choices that are more consistent with patient values. They are especially beneficial when there are multiple reasonable options with different trade-offs.