Ready for SDM- evaluation of an interprofessional training module in shared decision making – A cluster randomized trial

Objective Ready for SDM was developed in Norway as a comprehensive modularized curriculum for health care providers (HCP). The current study evaluated the efficacy of one of the modules, a 2-hour interprofessional SDM training designed to enhance SDM competencies. Methods A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with eight District Psychiatric Centres randomized to wait-list control (CG) or intervention group (IG). Participants and trainers were not blinded to their allocation. The IG received a 2-hour didactic and interactive training, using video examples. The primary outcome was the agreement between the participants’ and an expert assessment of patient involvement in a video recorded consultation. The SDM-knowledge score was a secondary outcome. Results Compared to the CG (n = 65), the IG (n = 69) judged involvement behavior in a communication example more accurately (mean difference of weighted T, adjusted for age and gender:=−0.098, p = 0.028) and demonstrated better knowledge (mean difference=−0.58; p = 0.014). A sensitivity analysis entering a random effect for cluster turned out not significant. Conclusion The interprofessional group training can improve HCPs’ SDM-competencies. Practice implications Addressing interprofessional teams using SDM communication training could supplement existing SDM training approaches. More research is needed to evaluate the training module’s effects as a component of large-scale implementation of SDM.