Using the Outcome Prioritization Tool (OPT) to assess the preferences of older patients in clinical decision-making: A review

•The Outcome prioritization Tool (OPT) is an instrument that can aid in treatment decision-making.•It consists of four visual analogue scales, each representing an encompassing treatment goal, and uses a trade-off principle.•Although the tool is used in different healthcare settings, literature about the instrument is scarce.•The studies reporting on the tool show that OPT-conversations were feasible for both older patients and their healthcare providers.•More research is needed to evaluate the effects of the OPT-conversations, for instance on how the tool is used in specific healthcare decisions. Shared decision making can guide patients facing difficult treatment decisions, with a trade-off between risks and benefits, taking patient goals and preferences into account. The Outcome Prioritization Tool (OPT) was developed to facilitate the discussion of goals and preferences with older patients in an encompassing, non-disease-specific way. The OPT is used in both primary and secondary healthcare for several treatment decisions, but data regarding the tool are limited. A concise review yielded two developmental articles, four articles describing three studies using the OPT, and one study protocol. All studies were performed among older patients. In those studies, the majority of patients ranked maintaining independence as most important. The tool has been shown to be feasible for both patients and healthcare providers.