Feasibility study of the Digital Patient Benefit Assessment Scale (P-BAS): A Digital Tool to Assess Individual Patient Goals

Abstract

The study objective was to assess the feasibility of the Patient Benefit Assessment Scale (P-BAS), a digital tool designed to enable older outpatients (≥70 years) to elucidate at home their individual goals regarding their current medical issue. Several digital tools are developed to assist older people in identifying their goals, thereby facilitating the process of shared decision making. However, studies on the feasibility of these digital tools, especially in older patients, are limited. Data were collected from 36 older patients. The study comprised three stages. In stage I and II, cognitive interviews were conducted to strengthen the feasibility of the P-BAS. In stage III, 80% of the patients completed the P-BAS independently at home. The cognitive interviews provided insight into patients’ interpretation and individual understanding of the digital visual P-BAS and associated opportunities for improvement, which were subsequently implemented. One conclusion is that the digital visual P-BAS might be of added value for patients and contributes to the process of shared decision making, assuring that the goals of the patient will be into account in treatment options. Findings are useful for researchers interested in technological tools that contribute to shared decision making.