Dr. Nick Bansback has received funding from The Arthritis Society for his study that will use iPads to try to improve decision-making in patients needing osteoarthritis medication.

In the study, titled “Promoting preference-based informed decision-making: A proof-of-concept study evaluating the effect of an enhanced decision aid in adults choosing between medications for knee osteoarthritis,” patients who visit pharmacies will be asked to use an app Dr. Bansback has developed for an iPad to help them become better informed about treatment, and ultimately, make a more informed decision when it comes to their own health care.

Over-the-counter medications used for reducing pain due to knee osteoarthritis are used millions of times every day in Canada. However, few people are aware of the risks, such as serious liver and gastrointestinal side-effects and may not be making the most appropriate choice. Dr. Bansback says the study will try to help patients make more informed decisions that better align with their own preferences. The working hypothesis suggests that individualizing the way choices and information are presented would improve perceived decision uncertainty and better the congruence between personal values and choices made.

“The study aims to make it easier for patients to make good decisions,” he says.

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