Table 3 Factors encouraging participation in the e-learning program

The program is useful for learning about SDM

“For me it was an introduction to the concept of shared decision making, it raised my awareness about it.” (Occupational therapist #29, home support service #3)

Provides ideas on ways to manage NCDs problems

“It has all kinds of information sources that are useful for my practice. I’ve had a slew of interventions in BPSD (behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia) recently, and it was a good source of inspiration.” (Occupational therapist #29, home support service #3)

“I thought the Decision Boxes were fun. They helped give us ideas on how to conduct interviews using shared decision making. Even though there are some topics that don’t have Decision Boxes, they were still useful tools for understanding how to interact with patients.” (Dietician #9, home support service #1)

Provides an introduction to DBs

“It was interesting to learn that decision aids exist. And they were well made. The training was well organized, and it included information on the Laval University and Ottawa sites where you can find them. It was good to know.” (Dietician #9, home support service #1)

DBs cover topics of interest for practice

“I found the topics interesting and felt they could be very useful in my practice.” (Physician #55, Clinic #1)

DBs help meet clinical needs

“The training informed me of alternative non-pharmacological treatments to meet the needs of clients.” (Nurse #65, Clinic #1)

DBs present various interventions and their pros and cons

“It helps us move beyond the scope where the nurse has the answer, since it’s the client, instead, who has to choose. But at the same time, to make a choice, they need to understand the pros and cons, so they can make an informed decision. In some cases, it’s not as easy as that, but with these Decision Boxes, it really gives us a good idea of what the options are, as well as the pros and cons, in pretty simple terms. It’s good.” (Nurse #26, Clinic #4)

DBs facilitate the communication of information to patients

“It’s something I consider necessary, that is, being able to provide information that is easily understood by our clientele, by the patient, and their loved ones. The training program gives us an appreciation of the work that’s been done to help facilitate our task of delivering information in a format that’s easy to understand, and that can be consulted by the patient’s family not during the encounter, but afterwards.” (Physician #73, Clinic #2)

“The training gives us a good understanding of how to guide patients using evidence, according to the topic, like driving or how to provide support to caregivers—things like that. I think it helps us see all the possible avenues, with their pros and cons, and it helps us provide guidance to the people we work with.”(Physiotherapist #46, home support service #2)

DBs are printable

“I plan to print out the Decision Boxes in question. I posted them on the family medicine intranet because I, personally, find them very useful. Once I have access to a colour printer, I plan to collect them together in a binder, so I can access them in the clinic and use them in a teaching context with our resident doctors so that they, too, can use them in their interactions with patients. Plus, I’ll make available the Decision Boxes designed for patients and/or their loved ones.” (Physician #73, Clinic #2)

Value of having one version of the DBs for clinicians and a simpler version for patients

“What’s interesting too is that there’s a part that’s really more for the professional, to guide their intervention, and a simpler part that’s more for the patient.” (Social worker #20, home support service #1)

Access to DB information in practice is quick due to their brevity, standardized presentation of information, and separate DB for each clinical situation

“What I found interesting with the modules is that you can seek out certain specific parts. For example, if I’m faced with Problem X, I can go straight to the Decision Box on that particular topic. It’s easier than having to wade through a long module that’s not divided into topics, and where you have to search to find your information. But with the short Decision Boxes, you can quickly find what you’re looking for.” (Social worker #20, home support service #1)

DBs are available to patients/caregivers after the consultation if they require more information

“What is also interesting is that the DBs are available in a format that can be consulted after the consultation by patients and their families.” (Physician #73, Clinic #2)

Short modules make it easier to retrieve information from the e-learning activity

“The training module is interesting too. It’s concise, not too long, and the sheets are pretty quick to complete. I think it’s a winning formula. The fact that it’s short and concise makes it easier to use.” (Nurse #26, Clinic #4)

“They’re really easy to use and to find your way around.” (Nurse #65, Clinic #1)

The training program is easy to do: brief, concise, clear, well-explained

“I liked the fact that it’s not too long, it’s set out clearly, it’s well explained. It was quick to use.”(Nurse #65, Clinic #1)

Flexible nature of the training program: easy to access at the most convenient time for the learner, and at their own pace

“It’s good that it is possible to access it at the moment we choose, at the right moment: it’s the flexibility.” (Physician #73, Clinic #2)

No prerequisite for the training program

“There are not really any prerequisites; I would say that anyone working in a clinic with a minimum level of experience would be able to complete it.” (Nurse #26, Clinic #4)

Training program provides easy-to-understand, visual and practical training

“I found it visually appealing, and the fact there were examples gave me a better ideas on how to interact with my patients.” (Dietician #9, home support service #1)

Applicability of learnings to other clinical situations

“I think that it could be used afterwards for other types of clienteles. The Decision Boxes incorporate a slightly more standardized practice when it comes to sharing information with the clientele, and to shared decision making.” (Nurse #26, Clinic #4)

DBs are well explained and provide concrete guidance

“The DBs are relatively short (2–3 pages), there’s not too much information. They’re easy to find your way around, easy to follow and to use in the workplace.” (Social worker #20, home support service #1)

Incentives: continuing education credits

“There’s an incentive with the training units.” (Occupational therapist #29, home support service #3)

Participation encouraged by reminders and follow-ups during training

“I thought the emails you sent to remind us and to inform us when new Decision Boxes were available was a good approach.” (Dietician #9, home support service #1)