Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study pilot tested a novel Decision Aid (DA) that clarifies the impact of multimorbidity on Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) risks and benefits. Outcomes of interest include LCS knowledge, disposition to complete LCS, decisional conflict and confidence.
METHODS: Evaluation scales were administered before and after DA exposure to 50 patients with smoking history; 70% of them having moderate or severe multimorbidity.
RESULTS: LCS Knowledge Measure scores improved (median 3 vs. 5 on scale 0-12, p < 0.0001). Scores of Decisional Conflict subscale related to feeling uninformed improved (median 3.5 vs. 3 on scale 0-15, p = 0.03). Overall Decisional Conflict (median 16 vs. 16 on scale 0-80), Stage of Decision Making (median 4 vs. 4 on scale 1-4), and share of participants disposed to complete LCS (86% vs. 84%) were similar.
CONCLUSION: Exposure to a DA tailored to individuals with multimorbidity was associated with improved knowledge of LCS. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the DA efficacy in patients with higher baseline decisional conflict and lower baseline confidence.
INNOVATION: A novel DA presenting information on the impact of comorbidities on LCS risks and benefits was found to hold potential for better supporting the decision-making of patients with multimorbidity.