Abstract
• The decision aid effectively streamlined the presentation of information to patients.
• It improved the communication experience between students and patients.
• Almost all patients expressed satisfaction with the conversation.
Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the impact of utilizing an innovative and comprehensive patient-centered digital clinical decision aid designed to facilitate shared decision-making in missing tooth replacement between dental students and their patients.
Methods: A qualitative study using interview approach was conducted in Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia. Thirty dental undergraduate students, each with one patient from the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong (n = 15) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (n = 15), were introduced to a digitally designed decision aid in missing tooth replacement prior to their treatment appointments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each student and patient, adhering to the interview protocol. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and subsequently coded to investigate the perceptions and potential advantages of this decision aid.
Results: Thematic analysis identified three key themes from the dental students' perspective: communication, utilization, and satisfaction. From patients' perceptions, four central themes emerged: communication, treatment information, uncertainty, and utilization. Detailed examination of the data highlighted an enhancement in patients' confidence and trust in their dental care providers, as well as a marked increase in both student and patient satisfaction levels upon implementing this novel approach. The average satisfaction rates for students were 83 % for Hong Kong SAR and 82 % for Malaysia.
Conclusion: This patient-centered clinical decision aid helped to enhance communication between dental students and patients in both regions, ultimately leading to heightened patient satisfaction levels. Nonetheless, to address the present study's limitations, future studies should consider diversifying participant backgrounds, including patients without prior treatment discussions with students.
Clinical significance: Clinical decision aids are valuable tools in clinical teaching due to their enhancement of communication between clinicians and patients. They promote shared decision-making, leading to more personalized and evidence-driven treatment plans, ultimately improving patient care.