iBDecide: A web-based tool to promote engagement in shared decision-making among adolescents with ulcerative colitis

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) seek increased autonomy and self-efficacy. AYAs must learn to manage their medical care in preparation for transition to adult healthcare. Our team's research found that AYAs need more information about their disease and treatmentObjective: To develop and test the usability of a decision tool iBDecide to promote shared decision-making among AYAs with ulcerative colitis (UC) who are beginning to manage their treatment and medicationsMethods: Using design thinking, 14 AYAs, 6 healthcare providers, 4 designers, a social worker, and a human factors researcher developed a shared decision-making tool. The System Usability Scale (SUS) assessed usabilityResults: AYAs preferred an application with information on treatment, medication, nutrition, and symptom tracking. A web-based application, 'iBDecide', was developed to include these options. SUS results indicated that participants on average agree that: 'they would use iBDecide' and that 'it was easy to use and streamlined'. The mean SUS score was 78.25 (+/-12.91), range 70-90Discussion: Including AYAs in tool development helps ensure usability and improves engagement in shared decision-making. Co-designed tools may remove barriers for engagement and skill-building needed for the transition to adult care.Conclusion: iBDecide can stimulate AYA engagement in shared decision-making in treating UC.(c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Research shows that AYAs need more information about their disease and treatment when managing ulcerative colitis. The development of the iBDecide shared decision-making tool, which includes information on treatment, medication, nutrition, and symptom tracking, aims to promote engagement in shared decision-making among AYAs. The usability test results indicate that AYAs found iBDecide easy to use and expressed willingness to use it, with a mean SUS score of 78.25.