Exploring the decisional needs of patients living with subacromial pain syndrome: A qualitative needs assessment study

BACKGROUND: There are a variety of different treatments for patients living with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS). All treatments have small to moderate effect sizes, and it is challenging when healthcare practitioners and patients need to decide on which treatment options to choose. The aim of this study was to explore and understand the decisional needs of patients with SAPS, to inform and support the decision-making process.

METHODS: A qualitative research study, using semi-structured individual interviews with patients with SAPS. The interview guide was informed by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF), previous research related to treatment decision-making, other decisional needs assessment studies, and inputs from patients with SAPS and healthcare practitioners. Data were analysed by using reflexive thematic text analysis and ODSF. The analysis was conducted in NVivo 12.

RESULTS: We invited 22 participants of which 17 (age 22-71 years) took part in the study. We found three main themes related to individual decisional needs in the context of decision-making: 1) The necessity of certainty and adequate information as fundamental prerequisites for effective decision-making, 2) The importance of person-centered care to achieve a desirable decision, and 3) The need for a supportive environment to facilitate adaptation and acceptance of the decision.

CONCLUSION: The decision-making process faced by patients with SAPS is complex and involves several decisional needs. Our findings highlight the importance of healthcare professionals identifying and addressing patients' decisional needs in consultations with patients with SAPS.