Overview

The Decision Evaluation Scales (DES) are a set of tools used to assess the decision-making process, particularly in healthcare settings. These scales help in understanding how patients evaluate the decisions they make regarding their health by considering various aspects of their experience. DES are especially useful in research focusing on patient participation in decision-making and satisfaction with those decisions.

Description

The Decision Evaluation Scales focus on three main dimensions that assess an individual’s experience during decision-making. The first is Value Clarity, which evaluates how clear a person’s personal values and preferences are in relation to healthcare decisions. The second is Decision Satisfaction, which measures the degree to which the person is satisfied with the decision-making process and the final outcome. The third is Decision Process, which assesses the perceived support and quality of the decision-making process, including the information provided and the person’s involvement in the decision.

Analysis

The analysis of the DES involves measuring responses using a Likert scale, where participants evaluate their experience across each of the three dimensions. Value Clarity reflects how clear and consistent the person’s values were during the decision-making process and helps determine whether there was alignment between personal values and the decision made. Decision Satisfaction assesses the person’s level of satisfaction with both the process and the outcome. Decision Process examines the overall decision-making experience, such as the quality of communication and the extent to which the person felt involved.

Purpose

The main objectives of the Decision Evaluation Scales are to assess the experience of decision-making, to provide a comprehensive picture of how patients perceive health-related decisions, to support greater patient participation by understanding their needs and preferences, and to improve the quality of healthcare by offering data that can enhance the decision-making process and the support given to patients.

Scoring

Scoring the DES includes gathering ratings for each dimension and compiling them to offer an overall assessment of the decision-making experience. Statistical analysis is then used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the scales, enabling interpretation of the data in different contexts. Standards and thresholds are established to help interpret results and identify areas in need of improvement.

References

O’Connor, A. M. (1995). Validation of a decisional conflict scale. Medical Decision Making, 15(1), 25–30.
O’Connor, A. M., & Stacey, D. (2003). Development and evaluation of a patient decision aid for menopause-related treatment decisions. Health Expectations, 6(2), 118–127.
Sepucha, K. R., & Mulley, A. G. (2009). A perspective on the patient’s role in treatment decisions. Medical Care Research and Review, 66(1_suppl), 53S–74S.