The Effect of Text Versus Video Presentations of Patient Narratives in a Web-based Patient Decision Aid

Abstract

Over the past several years the Internet has developed a more prominent role as a source for medical patients to search for health related information. The current study examined the use of web-based patient decision aids and how the format of patient narratives influenced treatment preferences and knowledge about the treatments options. Fifty-three women viewed a web-based decision aid with patient narratives displayed in a full-video format, full-text (no video) format, no patient video format, or no patient text format. The patient narrative format had no influence on knowledge or treatment preference, but time spent viewing specific webpages within the decision aid was predictive of treatment choice. Participants that spent more time viewing the lumpectomy webpage were significantly more likely to prefer lumpectomy with radiation, while participants who spent more time viewing the mastectomy webpage were significantly more likely to prefer mastectomy. These results suggest that a confirmation bias may be present.