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. 2022 Nov-Dec;22(8):1503-1509.
doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.07.014. Epub 2022 Jul 27.

Pediatric Caregiver Version of the Shared Decision Making Process Scale: Validity and Reliability for ADHD Treatment Decisions

K D Valentine  1 , Ellen A Lipstein  2 , Ha Vo  3 , Carol Cosenza  4 , Michael J Barry  3 , Karen Sepucha  5
Affiliations

Pediatric Caregiver Version of the Shared Decision Making Process Scale: Validity and Reliability for ADHD Treatment Decisions

K D Valentine et al. Acad Pediatr. 2022 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objective: Shared decision making (SDM) is recommended for common pediatric conditions; however, there are limited data on measures of SDM in pediatrics. This study adapted the SDM Process scale and examined validity and reliability of the scale for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment decisions.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey of caregivers (n = 498) of children (aged 5-13) diagnosed with ADHD, who had made a decision about ADHD medication in the last 2 years. Surveys included the adapted SDM Process scale (scores range 0-4, higher scores indicate more SDM), decisional conflict, decision regret, and decision involvement. Validity was assessed by testing hypothesized relationships between these constructs. A subset of participants was surveyed a week later to assess retest reliability.

Results: Pediatric Caregiver version of the SDM Process scale (M = 2.8, SD = 1.05) showed no evidence of floor or ceiling effects. The scale was found to be acceptable (<1% missing data) and reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.74). Scores demonstrated convergent validity, as they were higher for those without decisional conflict than those with decisional conflict (2.93 vs 2.46, P < .001, d = 0.46), and higher for caregivers who stated they made the decision with the provider than those who made the decision themselves (3.0 vs 2.7; P = .003). Higher scores were related to less regret (r = -0.15, P < .001), though the magnitude of the relationship was small.

Conclusions: The adapted Pediatric Caregiver version of the SDM Process scale demonstrated acceptability, validity and reliability in the context of ADHD medication decisions made by caregivers of children 5-13. Scores indicate pediatricians generally involve caregivers in decision making about ADHD medication.

Keywords: ADHD; measurement; patient-centered care; pediatric; shared decision making.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: EL reports previously receiving an institutional grant from Pfizer, Inc. All authors report support from the Agency for Health Research and Quality. Massachusetts General Hospital is the measure steward for the Shared Decision Making Process Measure (measure #2958 endorsed by National Quality Forum) that is based on the scale adapted in the study.

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