The Optimise Study - randomised trial of the use of a decision aid to improve informed choice regarding the benefits of low-dose aspirin to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer

Interventions: The Optimise study is an NHMRC funded double blinded randomised controlled clinical trial of a decision-aid tool regarding the use of aspirin to prevent both colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease, while considering side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and patient preference regarding taking regular low dose aspirin.
The Optimise study will involve recruitment of patients aged 50-70 in general practice waiting rooms, and administering a personalised electronic decision–aid (on iPad), regarding use of aspirin to the intervention group, and attention placebo to the control group.
The intervention involves use of an an electronic decision aid which takes into account each participant’s individual risk of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer, their personal risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding and their personal preferences regarding taking aspirin, and takes 5-10 minutes to administer at one occasion only.
Results of the decision aid are given to the participant and to their general practitioner, and it is up to the participant to decide whether to take aspirin, following discussion with their general practitioner if they do so. Aspirin will not be included as part of the intervention.