Evaluation of the effect of a patient decision aid about vasectomy on the decision-making process: a randomized trial

Background: Between 7% and 10% of men who choose vasectomy as a contraceptive method regret their decision. This study evaluates the effect of a patient decision aid (PtDA) designed to help men decide whether or not to have a vasectomy.

Study design: Men considering vasectomy were randomized to an experimental group that received a full PtDA containing information and values guidance (n=32) or to a control group that received an abridged PtDA containing information only (n=31).

Results: Mean Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS) scores before and after the intervention were 2.6±0.4 and 1.9±0.4 in the experimental group and 2.5±0.4 and 1.8±0.4 in the control group (p=.94), respectively. Mean knowledge of vasectomy scores before and after the intervention were 50%±16% and 72%±18% in the experimental group and 55%±18% and 71%±15% in the control group (p=.40), respectively. At baseline, all participants were undecided as to whether to have a vasectomy. After the intervention, 60% of experimental group participants and 53% of control group participants had made a definite decision (p=.58).

Conclusion: In men considering vasectomy, both versions of the PtDAs improved the quality of decision-making process to a similar extent. Information alone may be sufficient to support good decision making in these patients.