Initial User Testing of Decision Aids for Multiple Sclerosis Disease-Modifying Therapies

Abstract

BACKGROUND 

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are the cornerstone of multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. DMT treatment is a preference-sensitive decision in which shared decision making is indicated.

METHODS 

We used qualitative methods to explore usability of MS decision aids in people aged 18 to 70 years diagnosed with MS. Semistructured interviews aimed to assess patients' overall reaction to using the decision aids. This included specific aspects of the user experience to improve readability, format, content, and patient opinions about whether the integration of the decision aids into visits with MS clinicians would be feasible and assist with making better DMT selections.

RESULTS 

Twenty-three interviews were completed with eligible patients with MS aged 18 to 70 years to improve readability. Using thematic analysis, 5 themes emerged from the analysis including decision aids are easy and understandable, include cost, prioritize side effects and tests, increase font size, and have a simpler injectable grid. We also identified areas for improvement including formatting, side effects of DMT options, transparency of data sources, research, and development.

CONCLUSION 

Overall findings suggest that the decision aids are usable, easy to understand, and helpful to facilitate shared decision making for DMT selection. This work will help guide further modifications to the prototype MS decision aids before publication and can inform the growing body of knowledge regarding the development of high-quality decision aids.