Kinsey K, et al. – This study encompassed the assessment of patients’ opinions of the Option Grid encounter tool used in clinical consultations with physiotherapists, in comparison with usual care, within a patient cohort likely to be disadvantaged by age and low health literacy. It was well received by the candidates. It assisted them in comprehending their options and made the notion of choice explicit. The Option Grids' utility ought to be taken into account within routine consultations.

Methods

• During this study semi-structured interviews were conducted with 72 patients (36 who were given an Option Grid in their consultation and 36 who had not).
• The patients’ comprehension of therapeutic options, perceptions of involvement, and readability and utility of the Option Grid were examined via thematic analysis.

Results

• The Option Grid enabled more in-depth discussion with regard to the risks and advantages of a broader range of treatment choices for osteoarthritis of the knee.
• The candidates reported that the Option Grid was clear and assisted in their understanding of a structured progression of the options as their condition advanced.
• Nevertheless, it was not clear if the Option Grid facilitated greater engagement in shared decision making.