Confirmation of Values and Preferences When Considering a Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Test: A Scenario-Based Study
| Registry | NCT07158892 |
|---|---|
| Status | Not yet recruiting |
| Phase | Not applicable |
| Study type | Interventional; randomized, parallel, masking: none, health services research |
| Enrollment | 220 (Estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin (Other) |
| Conditions | Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Conditions, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Lateral Epicondylitis, Osteoarthritis, Trigger Digit, Dupuytren Contracture, Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy, De Quervain Disease |
| Interventions | Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion, Informational Statement Only (Behavioral) |
| Dates | start 2026-10-25 (estimated), primary completion 2027-01-20 (estimated), completion 2027-03-01 (estimated), first posted 2025-09-08, last updated 2026-09-22 |
| Locations | 1 site in United States |
Related Papers Related Patents Related Grants Related Experts
All trials for Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Conditions All trials for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) All trials of Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion All trials of Informational Statement Only
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.
| Arm | Type | Interventions | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervention (Group 1) | Experimental | Behavioral: Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion | 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. |
| Control (Group 2) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Informational Statement Only | 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. |
Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any
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
| Facility | City | Country | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Musculoskeletal Institute, UT Health Austin | Austin, Texas | United States |