Investigating the Impact of a Shared Decision-Making Tool

Investigating the Impact of a Shared Decision-Making Tool on Patient Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

The purpose of this research study is to learn more about how the use of a Shared Decision-Making Tool (SDMT) will impact a patient's decision-making to pursue treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

The main purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the SDMT on patient decision- making regarding various treatment modalities for knee osteoarthritis. If the SDMT is found to be beneficial, it can be implemented to help engage patients in their care and support more efficient implementation of treatment suggestions. This subsequently will improve patient's quality of life. Getting patients who have not taken advantage of preventive care or healthy lifestyles to change is paramount to making the medical experience in America more equal for all its citizens and reducing total societal costs. Building provider-patient communication tools that resonate with all stakeholders should inform patients as they work to make health decisions that reflect their individual beliefs.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 45-64
• mild to moderate knee pain consistent with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• known inflammatory disease diagnosis (ex. Lupus, Sjogren, or rheumatoid arthritis, prior knee replacement, acute knee trauma)
• BMI over 45
• persons from vulnerable populations