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BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Fertility | Research

The development and phase 1 evaluation of a Decision Aid for elective egg freezing

Authors: Sherine Sandhu, Martha Hickey, Raelia Lew, Karin Hammarberg, Sabine Braat, Franca Agresta, Anna Parle, Catherine Allingham, Michelle Peate, the Eggsurance Collaborative Group

Published in: BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making | Issue 1/2023

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Abstract

Background

Elective egg freezing decisions are complex. We developed a Decision Aid for elective egg freezing and conducted a phase 1 study to evaluate its acceptability and utility for decision-making.

Methods

The online Decision Aid was developed according to International Patient Decision Aid Standards and evaluated using a pre/post survey design. Twenty-six Australian women aged 18–45 years, interested in receiving elective egg freezing information, proficient in English, and with access to the internet were recruited using social media and university newsletters. Main outcomes were: acceptability of the Decision Aid; feedback on the Decision Aid design and content; concern raised by the Decision Aid, and; utility of the Decision Aid as measured by scores on the Decisional Conflict Scale and on a study-specific scale assessing knowledge about egg freezing and age-related infertility.

Results

Most participants found the Decision Aid acceptable (23/25), balanced (21/26), useful for explaining their options (23/26), and for reaching a decision (18/26). Almost all reported satisfaction with the Decision Aid (25/26) and the level of guidance  it provided (25/26). No participant reported serious concerns about the Decision Aid, and most would recommend it to other women considering elective egg freezing (22/26). Median Decisional Conflict Scale score decreased from 65/100 (Interquartile range: 45–80) pre-Decision Aid to 7.5/100 (Interquartile range: 0–37.5) post-Decision Aid review (p < 0.001). Median knowledge score increased from 8.5/14 (Interquartile range: 7–11) pre-Decision Aid to 11/14 (Interquartile range: 10–12) post-Decision Aid review (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This elective egg freezing Decision Aid appears acceptable and useful for decision-making. It improved knowledge, reduced decisional conflict and did not raise serious concerns. The Decision Aid will be further evaluated using a prospective randomised control trial.

Study registration

ACTRN12618001685202 (retrospectively registered: 12 October 2018).
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The development and phase 1 evaluation of a Decision Aid for elective egg freezing
Authors
Sherine Sandhu
Martha Hickey
Raelia Lew
Karin Hammarberg
Sabine Braat
Franca Agresta
Anna Parle
Catherine Allingham
Michelle Peate
the Eggsurance Collaborative Group
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6947
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02178-4

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