The shared decision-making tool for caregivers of children with prenatal opioid exposure: A pilot and acceptability study

This pilot and acceptability study sought to report provider acceptability and developmental concerns expressed by caregivers of children with prenatal opioid exposure using the Shared Decision-Making Tool (SDMT), an instrument created by study authors. Data were collected from five health care and early intervention providers and 83 caregivers from a medical clinic and early intervention service center. Descriptive statistics were used to identify frequency, mean level, and prioritization of developmental concerns using the SDMT, and to summarize provider acceptability about integrating the SDMT into their workflow. Communication was the most frequently cited concern in four consecutive age categories, followed by Inattention/impulsivity and Problem behavior. All providers "strongly agreed" or "agreed" with all statements on the provider feedback survey, except two instances. Results of this study support the SDMT as a potential tool to help engage caregivers and providers of children with prenatal opioid exposure in the shared decision-making process by standardizing communication related to areas of developmental concern and caregivers' priority needs. Findings from this pilot study will inform modifications to the SDMT and administration instructions before our next study, which will examine psychometric properties and caregiver acceptability of the scale.