What works in implementing patient decision aids in routine clinical settings? A rapid realist review and update from the International Patient Decision Aid Standards Collaboration (15 December 2020)

Summary

This review in Medical Decision Making looks at how healthcare organisations might successfully use patient decision aids (PtDAs) to support person-centred care. It aimed to develop context-specific program theories that explain why and how PtDAs are successfully implemented in routine healthcare settings.

Based on the results of their review, the authors recommend the following strategies for organisations wishing to embed PtDAs:

• Co-production of PtDA content and processes (or local adaptation)
• Training the entire team
• Preparing and prompting patients to engage,
• Ensuring senior-level buy-in
• Measuring to improve