End-stage kidney disease patient evaluation of the Australian ‘My Kidneys, My Choice’ decision aid

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary team in Australia and New Zealand utilized a current decision-making theory to develop the ‘My Kidneys, My Choice’ decision aid (MKDA) to support end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) treatment options in decision-making. Assessment of the MKDA was deemed critical to practice integration. METHODS: A multisite pre-test, post-test study design was used. Routine ESKD education was supported by the MKDA. Knowledge levels, worries and priorities were assessed pre- and post-education with Likert-scale questions. MKDA usability and treatment option preferences were surveyed post-test. Data were analysed in SPSS. RESULTS: Ninety-seven participants completed the pre-survey and 72 (70%) the post-survey. Mean pre-test knowledge scores ranged from: 0.88 (SD 1.5) for conservative care to 1.32 (SD 1.3) for centre-based dialysis. Post-decision-making knowledge levels increased significantly (P < 0.001). Worry and flexibility scores all increased significantly (P < 0.05) from pre- to post-test; about future pre- 4.15 (SD 1.3), post- 4.61 (SD 0.76); change to lifestyle 4.23 (SD 1.05), 4.59 (SD 0.8); ability to work/do leisure activities 3.67 (SD 1.56) 4.27 (SD 1.17) and desire for flexibility 4.51 (SD 0.86), 4.76 (SD 0.66). MKDA usability scores were high: easy to understand 4.64, (SD 0.77), easy to follow 4.65, (SD 0.66) and supporting decision-making 4.76 (SD 0.61). MKDA section scores ranged from 4.21 (SD 0.75) for writing treatment choices to 4.90 (SD 0.41) for the use of the treatment option comparison grid. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary MKDA assessment revealed high patient acceptance and usability. Patients had equitable knowledge of all treatment options but experienced higher post-worries levels than anticipated.