Understanding Patient Preferences When Deciding on a Voluntary Musculoskeletal Test

Part of paid clinical trials in Austin, Texas.

Sponsor
University of Texas at Austin
Study ID
NCT07158892
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

Notify me when recruiting opens

Save your spot on the interest list for this study. We'll keep your details with this study so our team can follow up when recruiting opens.

Not yet recruiting

Add your contact details and location so we can keep your interest tied to this study.

Conditions

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
  • De Quervain Disease
  • Dupuytren Contracture
  • Lateral Epicondylitis
  • Non-traumatic Musculoskeletal Conditions
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
  • Trigger Digit

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • 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.
  • 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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date
Sep 10, 2025
Status verified
Sep 2025
Primary completion
Dec 30, 2025
Completion
Mar 1, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
220 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Arms

  • Experimental: Intervention (Group 1)
    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.
  • Active Comparator: Control (Group 2)
    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.

Primary Outcome Measure

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]) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Musculoskeletal Institute, UT Health AustinAustinTexas78712
David Ring
[email protected]
833-882-2737

Find similar trials in Austin, TX

By condition
Osteoarthritis (other)
By specialty
OrthopedicsMusculoskeletal disorders
By research site
Musculoskeletal Institute, UT Health Austin· Austin, TX

Related Studies