Evaluation of a shared decision making educational program: The Ottawa Decision Support Tutorial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the Ottawa Decision Support Tutorial (ODST), an open-access shared decision making educational program.

Methods: We conducted a post-test study. Eligible participants completed a knowledge test and/or acceptability survey after completing ODST version 1 (2007-2013), version 2 (2013-2015), or version 3 (2015-2017). We conducted descriptive analysis and compared outcomes across versions using log transformed linear regression (knowledge) and log binomial regression (acceptability). Content analysis explored verbatim suggestions to improve the ODST.

Results: Overall, 6604 users completed the knowledge test and 4276 completed the acceptability survey. The median knowledge test score was 8/10 (IQR = 7-9) with 68% of users achieving a passing grade of 7.5/10. Users who completed version 2 had the highest median knowledge scores (version 1 = 7.9, version 2 = 8.5, version 3 = 8.0, p < 0.001) and pass rate (version 1 = 63%, version 2 = 73%, version 3 = 69%). Acceptability was high, with 90% reporting a good or excellent overall impression. Few users suggested improvements (readability, presentation, audiovisual).

Conclusions: Most users passed the ODST knowledge test and rated the tutorial as acceptable. We will use feedback to improve the ODST.

Practice implications: The ODST is an inexpensive and widely accessible intervention that can be used to educate healthcare providers about SDM and decision support.

Keywords: Acceptability; Education and training; Knowledge; Shared decision making.