Long-term effect of patient decision aids on use of joint replacement and health care costs

摘要

Objective: Shared decision-making supported by patient decisions aids may improve care and reduce healthcare costs for persons considering total joint replacement. Observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have evaluated the short-term impact of decision aids on uptake of surgery and costs, however the long-term effects are unclear. This analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of patient decision aids on 1) use of joint replacement up to 7-years of follow-up, and 2) osteoarthritis-related health system costs.