Do Personal Stories Make Patient Decision Aids More Effective? An Update from the International Patient Decision Aids Standards

Background This article evaluates the evidence for inclusion of patient narratives in decision aids (PtDAs). We define as stories, testimonials, or anecdotes that provide illustrative examples experiences others are relevant to at hand. Method To evaluate effectiveness PtDAs, we conducted a narrative scoping review literature from January 2013 through June 2019 identify published since last International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) update 2013. considered research articles examined impact on outcomes described theoretical mechanisms. Results The majority empirical work did not measure concepts typically found PtDA (e.g., decisional conflict). Yet, few themes emerged our can be applied context, including (knowledge, behavior change, and psychological constructs), well several mechanisms about how why context. Conclusion Based this update, suggest there may situations when could enhance PtDAs. recent has underscored fact multifaceted construct should no longer binary option (include not). However, bottom line is does support recommendation necessary component