The study investigated the feasibility of the Ottawa decision support tool to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. The aim was to explore and describe the feasibility of the Ottawa Decision Support Tool (ODST) in counselling HIV infected pregnant women on decision-making regarding the choice of safe infant feeding. The finding of this study will assist and support HIV positive mothers to be independent decision makers in choosing an infant feeding option for their babies. A descriptive qualitative research approach guided the researcher to explore and describe the feasibility of the ODST to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. This study is based on the Ottawa decision support framework (ODSF). Three focus group that comprised midwives as participants were conducted. The first focus group was conducted in January 2013 and the two subsequent ones in August 2013. Data was analysed using a framework approach. The following themes emerged from data-analysis: • Appropriateness • Receptiveness of intervention • Effectiveness Conclusions were drawn based on the attained objectives of the study. The overall conclusion was that the ODST is feasible to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. Limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for nursing practice, nursing education and further research. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The study investigated the feasibility of the Ottawa decision support tool to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. The aim was to explore and describe the feasibility of the Ottawa Decision Support Tool (ODST) in counselling HIV infected pregnant women on decision-making regarding the choice of safe infant feeding. The finding of this study will assist and support HIV positive mothers to be independent decision makers in choosing an infant feeding option for their babies. A descriptive qualitative research approach guided the researcher to explore and describe the feasibility of the ODST to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. This study is based on the Ottawa decision support framework (ODSF). Three focus group that comprised midwives as participants were conducted. The first focus group was conducted in January 2013 and the two subsequent ones in August 2013. Data was analysed using a framework approach. The following themes emerged from data-analysis: • Appropriateness • Receptiveness of intervention • Effectiveness Conclusions were drawn based on the attained objectives of the study. The overall conclusion was that the ODST is feasible to assist HIV positive mothers' infant feeding choice. Limitations of the study were identified and recommendations were made for nursing practice, nursing education and further research. / MCur, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Purpose: To synthesize evidence on decisional needs assessments and patient decision aid (PtDA) trials based on the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) in order to validate the concepts and test the main assertion in the ODSF. Decisional Needs: The systematic review studies (n=45) validated all of the decisional needs identified in the ODSF. Nine new manifestations of ODSF decisional needs emerged (e.g. information overload, unreceptive to information/deliberation, relationship barriers with practitioner). PtDAs: The sub-analysis identified 24 ODSF PtDA trials. Compared to usual care, ODSF PtDAs improved decision quality, addressed decisional needs and reduced decision delay. Further evaluation is needed on downstream impacts of these improvements on decision-making. Conclusions: Using Walker and Avant’s theory testing steps, the integrated findings from the systematic review and sub-analysis validated the ODSF decisional needs concepts and tested the main assertion in the ODSF (that PtDAs address decisional needs and improve decision quality).