Clinical trial · Interventional
Understanding Patient Preferences When Deciding on a Voluntary Musculoskeletal Test
Confirmation of Values and Preferences When Considering a Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Test: A Scenario-Based Study
- Source
- ClinicalTrials.gov
- Retrieved
- Sep 26, 2026
- Layer
- normalized (units and labels harmonized; values unchanged)
- Run
- ING-CLINICALTRIALS-20260926-000001
Summary
Brief summary (as posted)
The goal of this clinical trial is to understand how people make decisions about imaging tests for common musculoskeletal problems (like arthritis, tendon problems, or nerve compression). The study involves adult patients attending a musculoskeletal specialty clinic. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does having a structured conversation about the pros and cons of a test affect how much a person wants to have that test? 2. Does that conversation help people feel more confident and less conflicted about their decision? Researchers will compare patients who have a values-based discussion with a researcher to those who receive brief written information about the test, to see if these approaches affect how people feel about having the test. Participants will: * Read a brief scenario about a proposed diagnostic imaging test (like an X-ray, MRI, CT, or ultrasound). * Either take part in a short structured conversation or read brief information about the test. * Answer a short survey about their thoughts on the test. This study does not involve actual medical testing or affect your clinical care. It is for research purposes only.
Conditions
Conditions (8)
Free-text conditions as registered, with the CancerIndex entity they were reconciled to and the match type.
| Condition (as posted) | Mapped entity | Match | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| De Quervain Disease | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| Dupuytren Contracture | Palmar Fibromatosis | ALIAS | 0.90 |
| Lateral Epicondylitis | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Conditions | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| Osteoarthritis | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
| Trigger Digit | — | UNRESOLVED | — |
Interventions
Interventions (2)
| Intervention | Type | Mapped drug | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion | Behavioral | — | UNRESOLVED |
| Informational Statement Only | Behavioral | — | UNRESOLVED |
Design
Arms and outcomes
Arms (2)
- type
- EXPERIMENTAL
- label
- Intervention (Group 1)
- description
- Participants randomized to the intervention group will engage in a structured, scenario-based conversation simulating a diagnostic decision-making discussion. This conversation will be guided by a trained researcher using branching scripted prompts designed to reflect an Advance Care Planning (ACP)-style approach. The discussion will explore the participant's values, goals, and understanding of potential benefits and harms of the proposed hypothetical imaging test. No actual diagnostic tests will be ordered.
- interventionNames
- Behavioral: Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion
- type
- ACTIVE_COMPARATOR
- label
- Control (Group 2)
- description
- Participants randomized to the control group will receive the same hypothetical clinical scenario, including mention of a proposed diagnostic imaging test. Instead of a structured discussion, they will be presented with a brief, standardized informational statement describing what the test involves, what it may show, and general risks or limitations. No values-based discussion or simulated conversation will occur.
- interventionNames
Eligibility
Eligibility (as posted)
- Sex
- All
- Minimum age
- 18 Years
Show eligibility criteria text
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (18+ years) * English literacy * Seeking musculoskeletal specialty care * Diagnosis of non-traumatic musculoskeletal condition (including but not limited to: carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, trigger digit, Dupuytren's, De Quervain, or rotator cuff tendinopathy) Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive or physical impairment or severe psychiatric illness that would interfere with participation in the scenario-based discussion or completion of the survey instruments
References
Publications (16)
- BACKGROUNDSlade SC, Molloy E, Keating JL. 'Listen to me, tell me': a qualitative study of partnership in care for people with non-specific chronic low back pain. Clin Rehabil. 2009 Mar;23(3):270-80. doi: 10.1177/0269215508100468. PMID 19218301
- BACKGROUNDRossettini G, Latini TM, Palese A, Jack SM, Ristori D, Gonzatto S, Testa M. Determinants of patient satisfaction in outpatient musculoskeletal physiotherapy: a systematic, qualitative meta-summary, and meta-synthesis. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Feb;42(4):460-472. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1501102. Epub 2018 Nov 14. PMID 30428722
- BACKGROUNDRogers CJ, Hackney ME, Zubkoff L, Echt KV. The use of patient-led goal setting in the intervention of chronic low back pain in adults: a narrative review. Pain Manag. 2022 Jul;12(5):653-664. doi: 10.2217/pmt-2021-0118. Epub 2022 Mar 30. PMID 35350847
- BACKGROUNDStellman S, Ellis B, Dawson H, Kocsis A, Mundra J, Hill C, Sahota K, Douglas S. Piloting a new model of personalised care for people with fibromyalgia in primary care with secondary care multidisciplinary support. Musculoskeletal Care. 2023 Jun;21(2):582-591. doi: 10.1002/msc.1708. Epub 2022 Nov 9. PMID 36349698
- BACKGROUNDSchenker Y, White DB, Arnold RM. What should be the goal of advance care planning? JAMA Intern Med. 2014 Jul;174(7):1093-4. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1887. No abstract available. PMID 24861458
- BACKGROUNDKrones T, Anderson S, Borenko C, Fromme E, Gotze K, Lasmarias C, Lin CP, Neves Forte D, Ng R, Simon J, Sinclair C. Editorial: Advance Care Planning as Key to Person Centered Care: Evidence and Experiences, Programmes and Perspectives. Z Evid Fortbild Qual Gesundhwes. 2023 Aug;180:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.zefq.2023.07.001. Epub 2023 Jul 26. No abstract available. PMID 37500354
- BACKGROUNDvan Bokhoven MA, Koch H, van der Weijden T, Grol RP, Kester AD, Rinkens PE, Bindels PJ, Dinant GJ. Influence of watchful waiting on satisfaction and anxiety among patients seeking care for unexplained complaints. Ann Fam Med. 2009 Mar-Apr;7(2):112-20. doi: 10.1370/afm.958.