Towards a Universal Decision Aid

Abstract

The assortment of decision aids (e.g., video, audio tapes, flyers) currently being used has resulted in the absence of a uniform set of criteria or standards which are needed to ensure the effectiveness and increased use of future decision aids. In order for this communication tool to be successful, it should include a visual display that enables the reader to look at an image and be able to readily determine risks and benefits from screening tests (e.g., colonoscopy, PSA test, mammogram, cholesterol), drugs (e.g., statins, Coumadin^TM), and surgeries for a number of health endpoints. Most people are familiar with the crowd in a typical theater as a graphic illustration of a population grouping. Therefore, a theater seating chart could be used to objectively characterize and communicate health benefits and risks. This led to the development of a decision aid called a Benefit/Risk Characterization Theater (BRCT). It has been successfully used to assist patients in determining their level of acceptable risk. With a seating capacity of 1,000, this BRCT makes shared decision making straight forward and a positive experience for doctor and patient. Presenting information in this format requires the use of absolute values and eliminates the use of relative risks which often leads to the dissemination of misinformation.