Understanding Patient Preferences When Deciding on a Voluntary Musculoskeletal Test

Summary

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.

Conditions

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

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Diagnostic Advance Care Planning Discussion

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.

BEHAVIORAL

Informational Statement Only

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Texas at Austin

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• David Ring, MD · Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, TX, United States

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-10

Primary Completion

2025-12-30

Completion

2026-03-01

Countries

• United States

Study Locations