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

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the Ottawa Decision Support Tutorial (ODST), an open-access shared decision making educational program. MethodsWe 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. ResultsOverall, 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). ConclusionsMost users passed the ODST knowledge test and rated the tutorial as acceptable. We will use feedback to improve the ODST. Practice ImplicationsThe ODST is an inexpensive and widely accessible intervention that can be used to educate healthcare providers about SDM and decision support.