Table 5 Illustrative quotes on usefulness of a PDA accompanying the CPG

“If the effects [of the interventions] are the same, then of course the parents can make the decision. And it’s quite neat to have all the pros and cons on paper.”

“I must honestly say, based on what I’m seeing right now, it would be nice to hand them [patient/parents] something. If they want to think about it, they can weigh the pros and cons.”

“It can indeed be handy to make a decision, because sometimes the practicalities of a treatment decision elude you [as a doctor], but those can be very important to the parents.”

“It is easy to have something like that, listing all the points. It won’t make it easier, but it will make it more transparent. We don’t have a lot of those yet, do we?”

“You can discuss it and read it again later. And it’s way better than my illegible handwriting.”

“The patients remember only 20% of what’s being discussed. And, because you can give it to take home, it means that people don’t need to make on the spot decisions during consultation.”

“I’m not sure if these make it much clearer. It could also complicate matters for patients, these kind of choices.”

“I think it’s a lot of text. I don’t think patients will read it.”

“It’s more of a checklist for myself, not something you go through together.”

“When I look at it, I immediately notice that it covers a dilemma we deal with a lot. And it is actually a nice format, so I definitely think it’s of use to us. Can you email it to me?”

“I think so. It shows you the experience of others in these instances, what they did. And it also gives you an idea of what to ask in cases you yourself are a bit hesitant about it.”

“Sometimes when talking to parents, you notice they get confused, and you need to tell more. If you can show it with visuals like this, is even better.”

“Yes, I think it’s really practical: not a lot of text and it looks appealing. Most of it, is in your head, but this makes the considerations really explicit. And translates it directly to aspects patients care about.”

“It doesn’t need to be part of a guideline, I can do it myself.”

“I’d prefer to explain it myself. It is part of being a doctor. You’ll notice a response, a hesitation. And as a doctor, you prefer some medicines yourself, because you’re more familiar with them and you’ll advise those.”

“No, I can do that myself. I’m more inclined, on the basis of my experience and taking the patient into account, to take the lead and say: ‘I think this is the best medicine’.”

“I think I can explain it easily in 5 min. The question is whether that is true. Okay, you’re making me reconsider my answer.”

“I don’t think I would use it. I feel a bigger urge to look the patient in the eyes and tell them what’s it about.”

“I don’t think it’s right. I suppose additional explanations are needed? But, I think they’re risky, because it will affect the verbal communication negatively.”