Implementing a shared decision-making tool to support treatment decisions for patients following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament rupture – a protocol for the POP-ACLR feasibility study

Abstract Background Treatment for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture may follow a surgical or non-surgical pathway. At present, there is uncertainty around treatment choice. Two shared decision-making tools have been co-designed to support patients to make a decision about treatment following an ACL rupture. The shared decision-making tools include a patient information leaflet and an option grid. We report the protocol for a mixed methods feasibility study, with nested qualitative interviews, to understand feasibility, acceptability, indicators of effectiveness and implementation factors of these shared decision-making tools. Methods A single centre non-randomised feasibility study will be conducted with 20 patients. Patients diagnosed with an ACL rupture following magnetic resonance imaging will be identified from an orthopaedic clinic. The shared decision-making tools will be delivered during a clinical consultation with a physiotherapist. The primary feasibility outcomes include: recruitment rate, fidelity, acceptability and follow-up questionnaire completion. The secondary outcome is the satisfaction with decision scale. The nested qualitative interview will explore experience of using the shared decision-making tool to understand acceptability, implementation factors and areas for further refinement. Discussion This study will determine the feasibility of using a newly developed shared decision-making tool designed to support patients to make a decision about treatment of their ACL rupture. The acceptability and indicators of effectiveness will also be explored. In the long term, the shared decision-making tools may improve service and patient outcomes and ensure cost-effectiveness for the NHS; ensuring those most likely to benefit from surgical treatment proceed along this pathway. Trial Registration Pending registration on ISRCTN.