Evaluation of the effect of a patient decision aid about vasectomy on the decision-making process a randomized trial

Background Between 7% and 10% of men who choose vasectomy as a contraceptive method regret their decision This study evaluates the effect of a patient decision aid (PtDA) designed to help men decide whether or not to have a vasectomy Study Design Men considering vasectomy were randomized to an experimental group that received a full PtDA containing information and values guidance (n=32) or to a control group that received an abridged PtDA containing information only (n=31) Results Mean Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) scores before and after the intervention were 2 6+/-0 4 and 1 9+/-0 4 in the experimental group and 2 5+/-0 4 and 1 8+/-0 4 m the control group (p=94), respectively Mean knowledge of vasectomy scores before and after the intervention were 50%+/-16% and 72%+/-18% in the experimental group and 55%+/-18% and 71%+/-15% in the control group (p=40), respectively At baseline all participants were undecided as to whether to have a vasectomy After the intervention, 60% of experimental group participants and 53% of control group participants had made a definite decision (p=58) Conclusion In men considering vasectomy, both versions of the PtDAs Improved the quality of decision-making process to a similar extent Information alone may be sufficient to support good decision making in these patients (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved