| The medical field has benefited through the use of assistive materials, namely decision aids, in patient understanding and promotion of decision-making. In particular are the contributions decision-aids have made to the genetic counseling discipline. The majority of studies have concentrated on the impact decision aids have in the cancer and prenatal subspecialties within the field, while little research has been conducted on decision aids within preconception genetic counseling, specifically preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Due to the little evidence of PGD supplemental material and the benefits observed in other areas of genetic counseling, the development of a PGD decision aid was initiated. Data previously collected from the Columbia University Medical Center, Division of Clinical Genetics in the form of patient interviews were used as a basis for the decision aid. Recommendations from International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration and suggestions from the cognitive theory of multimedia learning were employed in the structure and integrity of this decision aid. Current research and counseling guidelines from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) PGD Consortium's Best Practice Guidelines were utilized for the inclusion of pertinent information within the decision aid. Through the employment of such guidelines and standards, the development of a valuable decision aid entitled, "Reproductive Options: Is PGD right for me?" was produced. |
