The attitude of physicians toward the use of patient decision aids in iran as a developing country

Abstract

Background:The patient decision aids (PDAs), which can facilitate the decision-making process when choosing the optimal method of treatment, are a challenge to patients. This study tried to determine the attitude of physicians on the barriers of using PDAs in the way of prioritizing and proposing solutions to them.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional research carried out on 150 clinical faculty members of research centers and scientific associations affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The participants were chosen using the convenience sampling method. The attitude of physicians toward the application of PDAs was interviewed using a self-made questionnaire composed of 23 questions. The association between physicians’ attitude to the use of PDAs and their characteristics was examined using the t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation test.Results:The mean score of physicians’ attitude was 76.2 (standard deviation =11.9) and the range was 33–107. There was a significant and direct association between the attitude toward the use of PDA and the respondents’ age (r = 0.237, P = 0.007), years of experience (r = 0.205, P = 0.02), being male (P = 0.04), and working in the private sector (P = 0.009). The attitude score of instructors was significantly lower than that of professors (P = 0.02).Conclusions:The general attitude of physicians toward the use of PDAs was positive. However, apparently as a result of problems mentioned in this study for the developing countries such as Iran, it is much easier to employ these tools in centers run by the private sector. Usage of such tools in public centers necessitates systemic infrastructure as well as credits and budgets required for the training of patients and physicians.

Trends of Hypertension Stages among Iranian Adults from 2005 to 2025 using WHO STEPS studies: A Comparison among 2017 ACC/AHA, JNC7, and 2020 ISH Guidelines

“…Physician knowledge and adherence to guidelines pose additional challenges. A Study in Iran reported that only 31.8% of physicians were familiar with clinical guidelines 40 , and family physicians adhered to only one-third of the recommendations in the national hypertension guideline 19 . Among cardiologists at a teaching hospital in Iran, only 60% exhibited high adherence to the ACC/AHA guidelines in managing cardiovascular disease risk factors 41 .…”

Call for shared decision making in Iran; Future directions

“…7 In spite of the proven benefits of decision aids, they are rarely used in Iran since some physicians believe that the use of decision aids could lead to patients perceiving the physician as less reliable (or decisive), or to less patient satisfaction. 8 While, studies have shown a positive attitude toward the use of decision aids among Iranian patients. [8][9][10] SDM tools have been demonstrated to increase patients' knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and reduce the proportion of patients who are passive in the decision making process or remain undecided.…”

“…8 While, studies have shown a positive attitude toward the use of decision aids among Iranian patients. [8][9][10] SDM tools have been demonstrated to increase patients' knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and reduce the proportion of patients who are passive in the decision making process or remain undecided. 11 The implication is that for Iran, realistically, SDM tools need to be developed, tested, and implemented that are consistent with the culture of Iranian patients and clinicians.…”