Theoretical Frameworks

This page signposts further information on the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework and the Making Informed Decisions Individually and Together (MIND-IT) Framework. Both frameworks provide guidance for researchers on intervention design and research.

The MRC Framework focuses on designs and methods for developing, implementing and evaluating interventions.

The focus of the MIND-IT Framework is on intervention components for healthcare decisions with multiple stakeholders.

Frameworks for Research on Patient Involvement Intervention & for Complex Intervention

Framework & Measures Resource, Contact & Publications

MRC framework:

  • Skivington K, Matthews L, Simpson SA, Craig P, Baird J, Blazeby JM, Boyd KA, Craig N, French DP, McIntosh E, Petticrew M, Rycroft-Malone J, White M, Moore L. A new framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions: update of Medical Research Council guidance. BMJ. 2021 Sep 30; 374: n2061. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n2061
  • O'Cathain A et al. Guidance on how to develop complex interventions to improve health and healthcare. BMJ Open. 2019; 9: e029954. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029954
  • O’Cathain A et al. Taxonomy of approaches to developing interventions to improve health: a systematic methods overview. Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2019; 5: 41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-019-0425-6
  • Maindal HT, Hansen ABG, Mygind A, Ryom K, Laugesen IG, Bro F. Klinisk implementering af komplekse interventioner. Ugeskr Læger. 2022; 184: V01220003

MIND-IT framework:

ResCenPI contact: h.l.bekker@leeds.ac.uk

  • Brown E et al. Supportive Care Communication Strategies to Improve Cultural Competence in Shared Decision Making. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. August 2016
  • Breckenridge K et al. NDT Perspectives - How to routinely collect data on patient-reported outcome and experience measures in renal registries in Europe: an expert consensus meeting. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2015; 30: 1605-1614
  • Légaré F et al. Training health professionals in shared decision-making: An international environmental scan. Patient Education and Counselling. 2012; 88: 159-169 
  • Légaré F et al. How can continuing professional development better promote shared decision-making? Perspectives from an international collaboration. Implementation Science. 2011; 6: 68
  • Bekker HL. The loss of reason in patient decision aid research: do checklists affect the validity of informed choice interventions? Patient Education and Counseling. 2010; 78: 357-364
  • Bekker HL. Chapter 7: Using decision making theory to inform clinical practice. In Elwyn G and Edwards A (eds). Shared Decision Making - Achieving Evidence-based patient choice. 2009. London: OUP
  • Bryant L et al. The Lure of Patient Choice. British Journal of General Practice, 2007; 57: 822-826
  • Bekker HL et al. Understanding why decision aids work: linking process and outcome. Patient Education and Counselling. 2003; 50: 323-329
  • Bekker H et al. Informed decision making: an annotated bibliography and systematic review. 1999. UK: Health Technology Assessment Number 3. NHS R&D        

SHARED: A Patient Reported Measure of Shared Decision Making

ResCenPI contact: h.l.bekker@leeds.ac.uk  

Standards for Universal Reporting of Patient Decision Aid Evaluation Studies: The Development of SUNDAE Checklist

ResCenPI contact: h.l.bekker@leeds.ac.uk  

  • Sepucha K et al. Standards for UNiversal reporting of patient Decision Aid Evaluation studies: the development of SUNDAE Checklist. BMJ Qual Saf 2018; 27: 380-388. (accepted 13 August 2017)
  • Sepucha K et al. Explanation and elaboration of the Standards for UNiversal reporting of patient Decision Aid Evaluations (SUNDAE) guidelines: rationale and examples of high quality reporting from patient decision aid evaluation reports. BMJ Quality & Safety. 2018; 27: 389-412. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2017-006985
  • Bekker H, et al. Do personal stories make patient decision aids more effective: a critical review of evidence and theory? BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making. 2013: 13 (Suppl2): S9
  • Barratt A et al. IPDAS Collaboration Background Document Chapter C: Presenting Probabilities. Published online 2005 (http://ipdas.ohri.ca/resources.html)
  • Bekker HL et al. Is anxiety an appropriate measure of decision aid effectiveness: a systematic review? Patient Education and Counselling. 2003; 50: 255-262