Decision aids for shared decision-making and appropriate anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Underuse of oral anticoagulants (OACs) is commonly observed among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), which hinders stroke prevention in AF. Shared decision-making (SDM) can help enhance adherence by minimizing patients’ misunderstanding of treatment and aligning care with their preferences. Decision aids (DAs) have been developed to facilitate the SDM process. This study aimed to: (i) evaluate the effects of DAs on AF patients’ knowledge, decisional conflict, OAC uptake, and adherence and on the incidence of stroke and bleeding; and (ii) explore characterizing factors associated with enhanced DA effectiveness.

Five databases were searched. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 when data were available. Comparative analysis between effective and ineffective DAs was conducted to determine the DA designs associated with better effects. Ten studies were included. Pooling results indicated that DAs reduce decisional conflict related to warfarin use [mean difference = −0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.18 to −0.02; P = 0.01] and enhance OAC uptake [risk ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.05; P = 0.004]. The effects of DAs on adherence and incidence of stroke and bleeding were unclear. Comparative analysis revealed that DAs with key elements of SDM (situation diagnosis, choice awareness, option clarification, benefits and disadvantages, and patient’s preference) and pre-consultation delivery are more likely to be effective in promoting SDM and OAC uptake.

DAs are promising in promoting SDM and OAC uptake in patients with AF. The evidence on adherence and incidence of stroke and bleeding remains uncertain. More trials with rigorous study design and longer follow-up are necessary to obtain evidence.