Table 1.
Heart disease decision aids
| Title of decision aid | Decision aids reviewed | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Available at | Target audience | Key features | |
| Making choices: life changes to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke | http://www.decisionaid.ohri.ca/decaids‐archive.html (booklet with worksheet available online and printable) online cardiovascular risk assessor‐) | Those concerned about cholesterol and blood pressure Those ready to consider or interested in making changes to reduce risk of heart disease/stroke | Defines heart disease and stroke Outlines major risk factors. Presents information on Life changes, lifestyle options and medicine options. Includes steps to help work out and lower risk and make the decision. |
| Healthwise Decision Point: Should I take statins for high cholesterol? | http://www.healthwise.net/cochranedecisionaid/content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=aa4406 available online and printable | Patients with high levels of cholesterol and who are considering treatment options | Defines cholesterol and its affects on the heart and risk factors for heart attacks, stroke and coronary artery disease. Provides an online interactive tool to help assess risk. Provides a worksheet to assist patients determine where they might stand on the decision. |
| Making choices: treatments to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation‐ | http://www.decisionaid.ohri.ca/decaids‐archive.html. available to download but no audio – for audio contact provider | Patients with atrial fibrillation aged under 65, between 65 and 75 and over 75 at different levels of risk (low, medium and high) | 4 decision aids aimed at different age and risk groups. Presents information on Atrial Fibrillation and stroke, the treatment options including no treatment, Aspirin and Warfarin. Includes steps to weighing up benefits and risks of each option through examples and a personal worksheet. |
| Healthwise decision point: should I take anticoagulants to prevent stroke? | http://www.healthwise.net/cochranedecisionaid/content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=tx229 available online and printable | Patients with atrial fibrillation | Defines anti‐coagulant medicine and its risks (warfarin and aspirin). Provides information on risks. Outlines choices. Provides a worksheet to help patients think about the decision. |