Implementation of a patient decision aid for discharge planning of hospitalized patients with stroke: aprocess evaluation using a mixed-methods approach

Abstract

Objectives: To promote shared decision-making (SDM) during discharge planning of patients with stroke, a patient decision aid (PtDA) was implemented in seven Dutch hospitals. This mixed-methods process evaluation assessed: 1) PtDA use, 2) the SDM process, 3) facilitators and barriers influencing health care professional (HCP) adoption of the PtDA, and 4) HCP experiences with the PtDA.

Methods: Rates of PtDA use were derived from hospital registries and PtDA log data. SDM levels in consultations were quantitatively assessed using OPTION-5 (score range 0-100); the SDM process was analyzed qualitatively. Facilitators and barriers were identified via the MIDI questionnaire. HCP experiences were explored through interviews.

Results: PtDA use varied across hospitals, with 10-96 % of patients receiving it and 27-100 % of those ultimately using it. OPTION-5 scores were low in both pre-implementation (n = 68, median:0, Q1-Q3:0-0) and post-implementation consultations (n = 49, median:0, Q1-Q3:0-15). Barriers included lack of whole-team engagement and limited recognition of PtDA benefits. Frequent PtDA use was associated with HCP confidence and self-efficacy in SDM.

Conclusions: Successful PtDA implementation in stroke care requires whole-team engagement, emphasis on PtDA benefits, and enhancing HCP confidence and self-efficacy in SDM.

Practice implications: Highlighting positive SDM outcomes and patient benefits may encourage HCPs to adopt the PtDA.

Keywords: Discharge planning; Implementation; Patient decision aid; Shared decision-making; Stroke.