Clinical outcomes after shared decision‐making tools with families of children with obstructive sleep apnea without tonsillar hypertrophy

Objectives To determine if shared decision‐making tools (SDMTs) improve clinical outcomes for these children. Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process in which patients and clinicians jointly establish treatment plans that integrate clinical evidence and patient values/preferences. We previously reported less decisional conflict using a SDMT for families of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without tonsillar hypertrophyl; however, the clinical impact of this finding is unknown. Methods Prospective single‐blind randomized controlled trial for consecutive patients referred to a multidisciplinary upper airway center. The study group used a SDMT, whereas the control group did not; all were followed until their next appointment and polysomnogram. Results We assessed 50 families (24 study, 26 controls); mean age of patients was 8.8 (95% confidence interval 6.9–10.6) years, and 44% were female. After their initial visit, there was agreement between families and providers on the best treatment option for 22 of 24 (91.7%) study patients and 12 of 26 (46.2%) controls (P