Evaluation of natural history communication and shared decision making for self-limiting conditions: Analysis of UK primary care consultations.

OBJECTIVE

To analyse communication about the natural course of self-limiting illnesses, as part of shared decision-making (SDM), in general practice consultations.

METHODS

Natural history communication and SDM (using Observing Patient Involvement in Decision-Making (OPTION-12) and Assessing Communication about Evidence and Patient Preferences (ACEPP) items) were rated by two raters using transcripts from the UK 'One in a Million' database.

RESULTS

Of 55 eligible consultations, a 'wait and see' option was mentioned in 27 consultations (49 %), using varying terminology, with a general recovery timeframe provided in 21. Mean OPTION-12 score (of 100) was 25.2 (SD=7.4), indicating a low level of SDM. Mean ACEPP score (out of 5) was 1.2 (SD=0.5), indicating minimal communication about the options' benefits and harms. Recovery likelihood was quantified in only two consultations, while harms were quantified in none.

CONCLUSION

Communication about the natural history of self-limiting illnesses was generally limited. The 'wait and see' approach, along with its benefits and harms, was typically not explicitly presented as an option for patients to consider.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Improving clinicians' awareness of the importance of and skills for communicating the natural history of self-limiting illnesses, as part of SDM, may facilitate informed decision-making in managing these conditions.