The Effect of a Scalable Online Training Module for Shared Decision Making based on Flawed Video Examples – a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Objective Shared Decision Making (SDM) is considered the gold standard of medical decision making as it provides a method to systematically integrate the patient’s preferences, evidence-based medicine and the experience of health care professionals. Therefore, evidence-based training methods for a broad implementation into healthcare are needed. A new online training was designed, based on the concept of flawed/flawless video examples and additional educational concepts. Methods In a single-blind randomized-controlled trial, medical students were randomly assigned to intervention group receiving the online training (n = 82) or waiting control group (n = 105). SDM-related knowledge and the ability to judge distinct levels of SDM were compared between both groups. Additionally, feedback regarding the intervention was collected. Results SDM-related knowledge and judging ability increased significantly in the intervention group compared to controls (SDM knowledge: mean difference: 12%; 95% CI: 7.3-18.5; p  Conclusion The online training with its distinctive methodology prove effective. As it shares the theoretical and didactical background with an already existing face-to-face training, both approaches may also be used complementarily. Practice Implications SDM can be trained effectively and efficiently with this easily scalable online training.