Decision aids for addictions: the example of smoking cessation

Decision aids (DAs) help patients participate in healthcare decisions by improving knowledge and clarifying values and preferences, thus favoring a more active role in the decision process. DAs exist as a physical support (paper, DVD, audio) or computerized formats. They can be used independently by patients before and after consultations, or with a health professional during consultations. Unisanté has created a DA for use during consultations presenting available smoking cessation aids (www.howtoquit.ch). A local study showed that the DA is considered easy to use and useful by the doctors interviewed. The use of DAs in addictions to other substances, in conjunction with shared decision making, shows a favourable effect on the involvement of patients in their health and therapeutic adherence.