“I Will Respect the Autonomy of My Patient”: A Scoping Review of Shared Decision Making in Multiple Sclerosis

One of the most important ethical principles of the Declaration of Geneva¹  is the respect of a patient’s autonomy and dignity. In this context, the concept of patient empowerment can be applied at the patient level as one of the underpinning ethos that patients have the rights and responsibilities, as well as opportunities, related to patient autonomy in health care.²  So far, there is no agreed-on definition of patient empowerment, but important aspects include regarding patient empowerment as a transformative process for patients to gain control of their health and health care and adapt to their disease. This involves information and education as well as active participation in treatment decisions.²  Indicators of empowerment include knowledge, health literacy, participation in shared decision making (SDM), and self-management.² 

At the health care provider level, health care professionals (HCPs) should support and integrate the autonomy of the patient. Coaching interventions and SDM could activate patient empowerment, thus increasing patient autonomy.²  Based on the ethical principle of patient autonomy and on patient preferences, SDM is an approach in which the patient and the clinician participate actively and responsibly in the decision-making process.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative disease affecting approximately 2,300,000 people worldwide. It initially presents with relapses in approximately 85% of those affected. During the disease course, several preference-sensitive decisions have to be made, including starting, switching, or stopping immunotherapies; relapse treatment; motherhood and raising children; and lifestyle changes. Several studies show that persons with MS prefer an active and collaborative role when making decisions about their health,^3,4  with some differences across cultures.⁴  However, in the context of information provision, interventions to promote informed choice and improve patient-relevant outcomes are still rare.⁵ 

As the Special Interest Group on Patient Autonomy of the European Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis (RIMS) network, we collaborated for 10 years to assess the implementation of SDM in MS across Europe and to develop and evaluate interventions and outcome measures in the context of patient autonomy (see the SIGS section at www.eurims.org for more information about the Patient Autonomy group).

The aims of this scoping review were to 1) “map” the extent, range, and nature of the available evidence on (shared) decision making in MS during the past 5 years and 2) summarize findings to inform future research and practice.

Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework,^6,7  stages of the scoping review included formulation of the research question; identification and selection of the relevant studies; data charting, collating, and summarizing; and reporting results. We adhered to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist for scoping review conduct and reporting (Appendix S1, which is published in the online version of this article at ijmsc.org).

Our research question was as follows: What is the current stage of research concerning SDM in MS? We were interested in studies on patient autonomy and/or (shared) decision making in MS (eg, SDM in general, decision aids, decision coaching).

We searched all relevant studies published in the past 5 years (date of the search: August 6, 2019; language: English; database: MEDLINE). The search strategy is provided in Appendix S2.

Two reviewers (A.C.R. and A.G.) conducted a pilot test on ten articles to refine the eligibility criteria. Next, the results were split, and the same two reviewers screened titles and abstracts of studies for eligibility. Full-text screening of studies assessed as “relevant” or “unclear” followed the same way using a standardized form, which was revised after the pilot full-text screening test. Inclusion of unclear articles was resolved by consensus. Studies were included if they reported either primary (quantitative or qualitative) or secondary research focused on MS SDM in general, provided that such studies reported processes related to a health decision. We excluded studies on counseling, studies on physician education, and studies in which persons with MS were less than 50% of the total sample.

Data were extracted using standardized forms by one reviewer (A.C.R.) and checked for accuracy and completeness by another (A.G.).⁸  Reviewers resolved unclear issues through consensus. Extracted data included study author (year of publication), methods, participants’ characteristics, aims, main results, and funding.

Data were synthesized descriptively to map different aspects of the literature as outlined in our key question. Studies were grouped according to identified topics. The results of the review are presented in a narrative form.

Of 865 references identified, two duplicates were excluded, and after initial screening, another 736 citations were excluded. Of the 127 full-text articles retained for further screening, 72 were excluded because they were not focused on SDM or were opinion articles/commentaries, abstracts, or studies of mixed populations where persons with MS were less than 50%.

We included 55 studies (Table S1, Figure S1), mostly conducted in Europe (63%), followed by the United States and Canada (29%), Australia (4%), and Asia (4%). Among European countries, figures were higher for Germany (22%), the United Kingdom (16%), and Italy (13%) (Figure 1). Most of the studies (60%) were published between 2017 and 2019, with a peak of 28% (15 of 55) in 2017. Overall, three studies (5%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with the others being observational (27 of 55 [49%]), qualitative (11 of 55 [20%]), mixed-methods (9 of 55 [17%]), quasi-experimental (3 of 55 [5%]), and reviews (2 of 55 [4%]).

Participants were mostly people with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (47 of 55 [85%]), people with MS and HCPs (3 of 55 [5%]), persons with MS and significant others (3 of 55 [5%]), and HCPs only (3 of 55 [5%]).

Of the 55 studies included, 51 (92%) reported the source of funding; 13 (24%) received funding from pharmaceutical companies.

For the purpose of this review, studies were grouped into the following topics: 1) decisions on disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), 2) decisions on chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) treatment,⁹  3) information provision and patient education, 4) health literacy, and 5) risk knowledge. Some studies reporting educational interventions were grouped to the specific DMD decision-making topic.

In total, 27 studies (28 publications) reported on decisions related to DMDs. Study designs comprised mostly surveys, qualitative studies, and discrete-choice experiments, whereas interventional studies were lacking.

Eskyte et al¹⁰  performed a critical interpretive synthesis review to explore the perspective of people with RRMS on DMD decision making. Their analysis revealed that contextual factors are relevant next to medical and individual reasoning. Furthermore, it was found that there was no consensus among persons with RRMS regarding the meaning of DMD efficacy (eg, more relapses, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] lesions). A few studies^11–13  also explored factors influencing DMD preferences and distinguished between different efficacy outcomes (eg, disease progression, relapses, and quality of life). Although data from two European surveys (the Netherlands, 185 persons with RRMS; Spain, 37 persons with RRMS) showed that people with RRMS considered disease progression, a US survey (129 persons with RRMS) identified out-of-pocket costs as the most important outcome,¹²  supporting the importance of contextual factors as outlined by Eskyte et al.¹⁰  However, in a US study (135 people with RRMS), the most important DMD attribute was treatment effectiveness, and costs were ranked sixth.¹⁴  Herein, persons with RRMS ranked avoidance of cognitive impairment (eg, memory problems) as the most important treatment goal, followed by motor impairment. Interestingly, HCPs in the Netherlands rated safety as the most important factor, followed by progression.¹⁵  Tintore et al¹⁶  performed a survey of the views of 900 neurologists and 982 people with RRMS. Potential adverse effects and safety of DMDs were rated as the most important factors in decision making by both persons with RRMS and neurologists, and the most important goals were to reduce relapse frequency and slow down disability progression. A German study in 156 persons with RRMS showed that the route of administration (oral vs parenteral) and treatment frequency played an important role.¹⁷ 

Seven studies used hypothetical treatment options to explore patient preferences for DMD attributes showing different results concerning preferences.^18–24  Two studies identified severe adverse effects as the most important attribute.^22,23  Two studies reported that the likelihood of patients taking a DMD decreased with an increase in adverse effects and a decrease in treatment efficacy.^19,22  Bruce et al¹⁹  further found that nonadherent patients devalued treatment efficacy and exaggerated the risks of DMDs. In a subsequent study, Bruce et al²⁰  found that the risk evaluation of patients was associated with MS knowledge and treatment adherence. Fox et al²¹  showed higher risk tolerance in more disabled patients and patients not on medication, and Bottomley et al¹⁸  found that the method of taking medication was most important.

Köpke et al²⁵  assessed the effectiveness of an evidence-based patient information program to increase informed choice in people with RRMS. The intervention had a significant effect on informed choice and risk knowledge, with no adverse events. In addition, Köpke et al²⁶  investigated the effectiveness of a 6-hour HCP-led interactive group education program and an information brochure compared with standard information. The intervention increased the number of informed choices, and the proportion of persons with adequate risk knowledge was significantly higher in the intervention group 2 weeks after the intervention, but not after 6 months. In another study by the same group, Rahn et al²⁷  conducted a pilot RCT on a nurse-led decision coaching program based on an SDM approach to support persons with RRMS in DMD decision making. The study showed the feasibility of the program and indicated more informed choices in the intervention group.^27,28  Notably, in another study the feasibility of a decision aid on DMDs was assessed via a focus group and survey.²⁹ 

Another important topic in this category was the role of patient preferences regarding DMD decision making, showing that patients generally prefer an active or shared approach in decision making^30–32  and that DMD decisions for a first-line therapy were jointly made with a shift to decreased involvement in later decisions.³³  Furthermore, Wilkie et al³⁴  looked at decisional conflict and decisional regret in the process of DMD decision making and found that 53% of people with RRMS had decisional conflict. Both decisional conflict and regret varied in the different stages of decision making.

Finally, the process of and perspectives on DMD decision making were explored in three qualitative studies,^35–37  indicating that important factors related to DMD decision making are treatment factors, individual factors, social support, and quality of life.

Six studies focused on CCSVI treatment.^38–43  Notably, four qualitative studies (all conducted in Canada) and two studies that analyzed YouTube videos (mostly produced in Canada and the United States) were included. Whereas Ghahari et al⁴²  showed that the most recurrent message on the videos was that “CCSVI is not a miracle but worth trying,” Hynes et al⁴³  reported that there is still advocacy for the method, but the interest has declined.

Overall, 14 studies (16 publications) addressed the topic of information provision and patient education. Two studies reported on the effectiveness of different information aids for persons with MS.^44,45  Giordano et al⁴⁴  assessed the effectiveness of an information aid (personal interview and take-home booklet/website) in 159 newly diagnosed persons with RRMS, showing that it was not superior to the comparator (booklet/website alone). The study was the late phase of a project that developed and tested the “Sapere Migliora” information aid for newly diagnosed people with MS using a multicenter, multiphased approach in Italy.^46,47  Mohamadirizi et al⁴⁵  compared the effect of an electronic educational program with that of a booklet. The educational program increased patient knowledge. Brand et al⁴⁸  developed and pilot tested an evidence-based patient education program on MRI in MS, showing some important gaps in knowledge of MRI.

Information on disease prognosis was investigated by Dennison et al,⁴⁹  who emphasized the importance for persons with MS to discuss long-term prognosis with HCPs and that most persons with MS considered prognostication useful for decision making.

The family has a crucial role in helping persons with MS to manage their disease also through the use of health information. In a qualitative study, Mazanderani et al 2019⁵⁰  explored the interrelational dynamics of information practices in families of persons with MS. Managing information is a form of work for the family, and health information can be considered per se a distinctive form of care. Factors influencing the management of such information can be the skills of the person with MS, the form and stage of MS, family preferences and dynamics, health care environment, and systems for providing health information.

Three studies reported on an international collaborative project, IN-DEEP (Integrating and Deriving Evidence, Experiences, and Preferences), which aimed to develop and test a website containing relevant, unbiased, up-to-date health information for people with MS.^51–53  In the preparatory work, Colombo et al⁵¹  and Synnot et al⁵²  showed that the internet was considered useful by persons with MS and that, at the same time, it was difficult for them to identify reliable information there. Colombo et al⁵³  assessed the newly developed section of the Italian website on interferon-β for persons with RRMS using an online survey. The website was judged clear and understandable, with most persons with RRMS being more confident when making decisions about the interferons.

Four studies^54–57  reported on information provided via social media. Della Rosa et al⁵⁴  investigated the information available on the social network sites. Patient support, information, and awareness were the categories that obtained more engagement. Lavorgna et al⁵⁶  assessed the role of appointed influencers in a medically supervised Italian Web-based community (SMsocialnetwork.com) for people with MS. Findings indicated that the community was a safe environment where correct medical information was posted and “fake news” was not.

In their review, Giunti et al⁵⁸  evaluated MS apps. Of the 30 apps included, most were on disease management and disease and treatment information. Apps were generally created by small- and medium-sized enterprises or pharmaceutical companies. Personal data management (ie, access to personal information and data defined by the user) and patient education were the most common features.

Riemann-Lorenz⁵⁹  designed and pilot tested an interactive 2-hour evidence-based patient education program on the influence of diet on MS. Although the program was considered comprehensible, persons with MS were disappointed by the limited evidence base for dietary approaches.

Five studies were on health literacy.^60–64  In an RCT, Kasper et al⁶⁰  evaluated newly developed bar graphs for persons with MS risk communication showing that they were understood as well as standard pictographs. Reen et al⁶¹  showed improved understanding in persons with MS when treatment effects were communicated in absolute terms compared with relative terms and numbers needed to treat/harm. Adding baseline information on clinical trials significantly improved understanding. Rahn et al⁶³  developed and pilot tested different types of information materials exemplifying confidence intervals to persons with RRMS. Patient information materials were considered acceptable. In a pilot RCT, the “average weight version”—where a farmer wants to estimate the average weight of his apples—proved more effective compared with the standard information version.⁶³  Gaissmaier et al⁶²  showed that the numeracy of persons with MS treated with natalizumab was comparable with that of a German national sample, with higher numeracy levels in men and in the highly educated in both samples. Disease variables were not associated with numeracy. Dehghani et al⁶⁴  developed a new health literacy questionnaire for persons with MS consisting of 22 items grouped into four factors (appraisal of and ability to search health information, knowledge of caring for MS, and successful practices in health conditions).

Three studies reported on risk knowledge in MS.^3,65,66  Two studies described the development and validation of a risk knowledge questionnaire to be used as a patient-reported outcome measure in educational interventions. The third study³  was an international online survey (1939 persons with MS) investigating risk knowledge and role preferences across eight European countries, and factors associated with risk knowledge. Risk knowledge differed across countries. Higher education, previous experience with DMDs, and correct answer to a medical data interpretation question were positively associated with risk knowledge, whereas higher fear of wheelchair dependency was negatively associated with it.

During the past few years, several organizations and governments worldwide have acknowledged the importance of SDM, which has been described as the pinnacle of patient-centered care.⁶⁷  Despite this, its implementation has received only limited assessment, and reliable and sensitive outcome measures are still missing.⁶⁸ 

In the present scoping review, we aimed to map the evidence on SDM in MS during the past 5 years, particularly focusing on patient autonomy and decision making. From more than 800 references, we included 55 studies conducted mostly in Europe. Participants were mostly persons with RRMS. Identified topics were decisions on DMDs, decisions on CCSVI treatment, information provision and education, health literacy, and risk knowledge.

As for the country in which studies were conducted, figures were higher for Germany (22%), the United Kingdom (16%), and Italy (13%) (Figure 1). This mirrors the early acceptance and adoption of SDM concepts in these countries, particularly in Germany, where since 2001 several governmental research programs have been funded and HCP training programs developed. This is at odds with the other European countries, where, to our knowledge, no specific SDM programs have been launched thus far.⁶⁹  In the United States, where 18% of the studies were conducted, some programs were developed to foster SDM using financial and legal incentives, by implementing patient decision aids.⁷⁰ 

The present review shows that only 5% of the included studies were RCTs, indicating the need to assess the effectiveness of SDM interventions at the international level. This could be due to several reasons, including the fact that conducting experimental studies is demanding, with limited funding opportunities. Furthermore, most SDM interventions are complex, and it is acknowledged that the design, conduct, and reporting of trials on such interventions are challenging.⁷¹ 

Of the identified topics, some are related to specific health care decisions, such as DMDs and CCSVI, and the others are studies on the prerequisites of SDM in MS. The high number of studies addressing decisions on DMDs is not surprising because it reflects a key decision in clinical practice for people with MS and HCPs, with 12 licensed DMDs so far. Notably, some studies were on contextual factors related to DMD decision making, and some explored patient preferences for DMD attributes using advanced statistical methods. Only three studies (two RCTs and one quasi-experimental study) showed the efficacy of decision support programs, and all were conducted in Germany.^25–27 

The other topic regarding a health care decision is CCSVI treatment, an example of how a treatment without scientific validation spread quickly through the internet and led to persons with MS paying for procedures, at high cost and risk. Information provision and evidence-based education can be vital in such cases for the patients. Studies included in this topic analyzed videos from YouTube, mostly from Canada and the United States. Despite the lack of efficacy of the CCSVI treatment, and that experts cautioned against the “liberation therapy,” more than $20 million was spent in CCSVI research in Canada and the United States. Such studies reflect the impact of this unprecedented venture⁷²  on social media.

As outlined in the conceptual map of patient empowerment by Bravo et al,²  SDM is one of the empowering interventions focusing on the individual, directly derived from the HCP ethos (ie, responsibilities to respect patient autonomy, adopt a partnership style within the health care relationship). At the same time, SDM acts on the level of empowerment, moderated by providers’ characteristics, values, preferences, and training. Information and education are prerequisites for SDM to occur. Within this conceptual map, the other identified topics in the present review (ie, knowledge and health literacy) are all indicators of patient empowerment. These indicators are intertwined and interact with each other, having also a bidirectional relationship with the patient (eg, adaptation to chronic illness, quality of life, well-being), as well as with clinical outcomes (ie, health status).

Within the information provision and patient education topic, we included studies on information aids and on information programs on MRI and disease prognosis. Importantly, some studies addressed the information provided via the Web, social media, and apps. The vast amount of (health) information available on the Web, and on other platforms, could potentially overwhelm persons with MS. Persons with MS need access to unbiased, up-to-date, evidence-based information. This is in line with the recent published literature showing that informing people with MS increases disease-related knowledge, with no adverse effects.⁵  Furthermore, some studies included in the decisions on DMDs would also fit here, indicating a clear overlap between the two topics.

Health literacy is an important part of the information provision process and can contribute to patient empowerment and possibly to the SDM process. Notably, some studies in the present review assessed patient understanding of medical data, and one reported on the development of a new MS-specific questionnaire on health literacy.⁶⁴  Also, HCPs should be trained in understanding the health literacy of their patients and how it might interact with providing their therapies.

The present study has some limitations. Because this was a scoping review, the search strategy was not comprehensive, as it was restricted to MEDLINE only and did not include other databases. Also, we did not search the grey literature, and we limited the results to the past 5 years and English language. Therefore, it is likely that publication and language biases have occurred, limiting the generalizability of these results.

Another limitation is that we did not assess the quality of the included studies.⁷³  Furthermore, based on the available evidence, no recommendation for HCPs can be made because the methods of the scoping review do not envisage any grading of the literature.

More research is needed in this field using rigorous designs (eg, RCTs) and focusing on all the MS forms (including primary and secondary progressive MS) and on all the phases of the disease trajectory (from diagnosis disclosure to the late phases). Researchers are strongly encouraged to use the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions⁷¹  to develop and test such “SDM-proved” interventions.

As MS clinicians and researchers who are part of the RIMS Special Interest Group on Patient Autonomy, we aim to foster SDM in MS. In doing so, we suggest a few steps forward. First, it would be advisable to involve all relevant stakeholders in the SDM process, including the patients, and to work in a multidisciplinary (and interdisciplinary) way. Second, training programs dedicated to HCPs should be developed on SDM, patient-centered care, risk communication, and relation-building so that they are fully aware of the SDM process and can communicate effectively with persons with MS. Finally, patient decision aids, conversation aids, and decision coaching programs should be tested. All the previously mentioned steps can surely enhance the quality of care in MS.

Dr Solari has received speaker honoraria from Biogen, Merck Serono, Novartis, Almirall, and EXCEMED. Dr Nicholas has disclosed consulting fees from Biogen, Roche, and Novartis and being principal investigator on MS trials for Novartis, Biogen, Roche, and Sanofi. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

None.