Table 3 Summary of results

Usability

Visual representation supports understanding of the content

A learning curve exists before fluent use of the EDAs

A new consultation format arises that needs to be adopted

Difficult terminology reduces understandability for both patients and GPs

Both patients and GPs worry about the time required to use the EDA

The EDAs do not always apply to the personal situation of the patient

Patient’s characteristics determine whether EDAs are used or not

GPs may feel pushed to discuss difficult topics they prefer to avoid

Usefulness

The EDAs provide necessary information and insights to support the shared decision making process

Patients can identify due to description of complaints they experience

There is a thin line between providing the right information and providing too much information that is too specialist

Patients gained more trust in their GP due to the use of an EDA

EDAs are perceived less useful when they differ from local guidelines

Desirability

EDAs are enjoyable tools to work with

By having an interactive, multilayered nature, the EDAs remain clear

Uniformity in lay out between EDAs is desired

The location of the topic indicates its importance (e.g. the first topic seems more important than the last one)

Findability

Some patients would like to use the EDA at home, before or after the consultation

Difficulty finding the tool might prevent from future use

Accessibility

Terminology in a foreign language makes the tool more difficult to use for patients

An interactive, multilayered structure helps reducing an overwhelming amount of information

Credibility

Patients trust the EDA when it is used by their GP

GPs trust the EDA due to a trustworthy source

The EDAs are less used when they are not in line with the GP’s own views or experiences