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NCT Number: NCT07158892

Understanding Patient Preferences When Deciding on a Voluntary Musculoskeletal Test

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Conditions Arm Injuries Arthritis Behavior Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Connective Tissue Diseases Contracture Cumulative Trauma Disorders De Quervain Disease Dupuytren Contracture Elbow Injuries Elbow Tendinopathy Fibroma Health Behavior Joint Diseases Lateral Epicondylitis Median Neuropathy Mononeuropathies Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms, Connective Tissue Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue Neoplasms, Fibrous Tissue Nerve Compression Syndromes Nervous System Diseases Neuromuscular Diseases Osteoarthritis Patient Preference Patient Satisfaction Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Rheumatic Diseases Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Sprains and Strains Tendinopathy Tendon Entrapment Tendon Injuries Tennis Elbow Treatment Adherence and Compliance Trigger Digit Trigger Finger Disorder Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion

Behavioral

The intervention consists of a structured, values-based conversation modeled after Advance Care Planning (ACP) principles, adapted for diagnostic decision-making. Participants will receive a hypothetical clinical vignette involving a musculoskeletal diagnostic test (e.g., MRI, X-ray, CT, or ultrasound), followed by a simulated discussion facilitated by a trained researcher. The conversation is guided by branching scripted prompts designed to elicit the participant's values, goals, expectations, and understanding of the potential benefits and harms of testing. Responses are transcribed using verbal-to-text technology. Unlike standard decision aids or educational materials, this intervention emphasizes patient reflection and shared decision-making by prompting participants to consider what matters most to them before making a decision about the test. The discussion does not involve actual test ordering or clinical decisions but is intended to simulate a real-world ACP discussion process.

Other names: ACP-style discussion

Informational Statement Only

Behavioral

Participants will be presented with a brief, standardized informational statement describing what the test involves, what it may show, and general risks or limitations. No individualized values-based discussion or simulated conversation will occur.

Other names: Control

Primary outcomes

  1. Enthusiasm for proposed hypothetical diagnostic test

    Time frame: Measured using survey on tablet immediately following intervention/control (i.e., ACP-style discussion [Group 1] or informational statement [Group 2])

    Measured using 11-point Likert scale: 0=I would definitely decline this test, 5=I am not sure if I would accept this test, 10=I would definitely proceed with this test.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Decisional conflict regarding the diagnostic test

    Time frame: Measured using survey on tablet immediately following intervention/control (i.e., ACP-style discussion [Group 1] or informational statement [Group 2])

    Assessed using the validated 'SURE' scale (0-4 score; higher scores indicate greater certainty and lower decisional conflict). Please refer to Appendix 2 of PDF study protocol.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Emily H Jaarsma, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

(833) 882-2737

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Texas at Austin

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Confirmation of Values and Preferences When Considering a Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Test: A Scenario-Based Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 8, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 8, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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