Uncertainty subscale
VTE
ADVERSE EFFECTS, EVENT
This subscale reflects on certainty of which choice is best for the patient and how easy it is to make the decision. This subscale showed high conflict score (mean = 35.23; SD = 23.84), with Group 1 and Group 2 presenting higher conflict than Group 3; however, there were no significant differences between groups (In Group 1, the high level of conflict was attributed to high uncertainty regarding a perceived low efficacy of the drug and the low certainty of the evidence (71%). Also, some participants (57%) found it difficult to decide due to the adverse effects presented in their previous experience. Group 2 participants, except one (14%), expressed certainty about their choice, and they all reported that the value elicitation exercises eased the weighing of the benefits and drawbacks of each option. In addition, two participants (29%) noted the low quality of the evidence that was used to inform the outcomes as a basis for their uncertainty. Group 3 participants highlighted that the provided evidence-based information reduced their uncertainties with the decision, and it was clear what choice was best: for the majority (88%), this decision was not to take LMWH due to the low benefits in reducing the risk of a VTE event. Two participants reflected on the decision analysis component and gave discordant perspectives: while one thought that not having a clear recommendation on whether to take LMWH (recommendation shown in the yellow area) introduced uncertainty in the decision-making process (P11 with a high conflict > 37,5), the other thought that this made it easier to confirm their decision, and that there was not a “correct option” (P10 with low conflict > 25-<37.5).