Table 1 Core components of the decision aid
Homepage | The homepage gives an introduction on how to use the website, and an explanation about the contents of the website. Visitors are asked to read the disclaimer, and a warning is given that the information provided on the website is not suitable for people who are already being treated for diabetes or cardiovascular disease. |
General information on self-testing | General information on self-testing, including information on the different kinds of self-tests, the reliability of self-tests in general and eleven cues what to check before doing a self-test. |
Information on cholesterol self-testing | Information on cholesterol self-testing: information on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the role of cholesterol as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease, an interactive tool to determine personal risk for cardiovascular disease, information on the different kinds of cholesterol tests (tests for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol), how these self-tests have to be performed, and what to do with the test result, including advise when to see a doctor, and information on lifestyle changes. |
Information on diabetes self-testing | Information on diabetes self-testing, similar to the information related to the cholesterol self-test, including an interactive tool to assess your personal risk for developing diabetes. |
FAQ | Frequently asked questions |
Value clarification tool | An interactive tool to weigh the pros and cons of self-testing. This tool first shows 12 propositions on self-testing, of which six represent advantages of a self-testing, and the other 6 the disadvantages of self-testing. Examples of these propositions are: 'I think it is an advantage that I can do the test whenever I want to', or 'I think that it is a disadvantage of self-testing that I have to get a blood sample myself'. People can indicate whether they agree, disagree or feel neutral about these propositions. When they indicate they agree with a proposition, the weighing scales depicted next to the propositions starts shifting towards doing a self test or not doing a self-test. After respondents have filled out all the propositions, they are asked which propositions are most important to them. They are explained that the tool is not meant to give an advise on whether to do a self-test or not, but is aimed at clearing out their personal values on self-testing. |
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