Development of A Novel Decision Aid for Informed Decision-Making of
Intraocular Lens Types in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery
Abstract
Abstract Objective Surgery is the main treatment of visual loss related
to cataracts. There are multiple intraocular lens (IOL) options with
certain advantages. Patient education on IOL types is necessary to
achieve a successful shared decision making process and meet the
expectations of the individual patient. Decision aids (DAs) are used for
patient education and we developed a novel DA to assist patients during
IOL type selection for their cataract surgery. Methods The Ottawa
Personal Decision Guide and the ‘Workbook on Developing and Evaluating
Patient Decision Aids’ were used in the development of this DA. General
characteristics of cataracts, surgical treatment, and details including
advantages and disadvantages of varying IOLs were included in the
content of the DA. The DA was further evaluated by 3 physicians (Delphi
assessment- International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS)
Collaboration standards) and 25 patients (questionnaire of 6 questions
with Five-point Likert scale). Results The DA was finalized with
feedbacks from the experts. A total score of 50/54 was achieved in
Delphi group assessment. Patient perception of the DA was favorable and
patients also recommended its use by other patients. Conclusions This
novel DA to assist IOL selection for cataract surgery was well accepted
by the patients. There is a potential to improve patients’ level of
knowledge and diminish decisional conflicts. This potential can also
increase patients’ contribution on the shared decision making process. A
further prospective randomized trial to compare with the standard
patient informing process is also planned.