Delivering decision aids on the internet

What is this dimension? Delivering decision aids on the Internet is defined here as the process of using the Internet to provide some or all components of a patient decision aid (PtDA) to individuals (e.g., patients, caregivers, clinicians, etc.) involved in the process of choosing between two or more medically- appropriate healthcare options. This definition is intended to differentiate this process from Internet-delivered general health education for patients (e.g., health information websites), and Internet-delivered clinical practice guidelines for clinicians. What is the theoretical rationale for including this dimension? Several theories in cognitive psychology, decision psychology, and communication emphasize the value of using the Internet to provide broad and long-term dissemination of information that can be targeted and tailored to patients' needs and preferences. In addition, several theories of active, discovery, and social learning inform the design of interactive PtDAs to effectively provide information and support. Furthermore, theories of dissemination and implementation emphasize the need for the right information (rapidly updated), delivered to the right person (tailored), at the right time (in advance, during, and after a decision needs to be made).