Shared decision-making and the implementation of treatment recommendations for depression

Joanna Crawford; Katherine Petrie; Samuel B Harvey

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2021.01.025

Shared decision-making and the implementation of treatment recommendations for depression

Patient Educ Couns. 2021 Aug;104(8):2119-2121. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.01.025. Epub 2021 Jan 23.

Authors

Joanna Crawford¹, Katherine Petrie², Samuel B Harvey³

Affiliations

¹ Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia. Electronic address: joanna.crawford@blackdog.org.au.
² Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, High St, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
³ Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.

PMID: 33563500
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.01.025

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between shared decision-making (SDM) and the implementation of treatment recommendations amongst outpatients at a specialist Depression Clinic.

Methods: A total of 110 adult outpatients in a specialist Depression Clinic in Sydney, Australia, completed an online survey examining their experiences of shared decision-making (SDM) during their psychiatrist consultation and the extent to which they later implemented Depression Clinic treatment recommendations.

Results: The odds of implementing treatment recommendations were over four times higher in patients who reported a high level of SDM in their consultation, compared to those who reported a low level of SDM. Further, three elements of patient-rated SDM were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of implementing depression treatment recommendations. These three elements were: i) being given the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns; ii) being asked about any problems or side effects from previous treatments; and iii) being involved in deciding their treatment plan.

Conclusions: SDM was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of implementing psychiatrists' treatment recommendations at a specialist Depression Clinic.

Practice implications: We recommend that clinicians be informed of the potential benefits of SDM and adopt SDM when developing treatment plans with patients living with depression.

Keywords: Decision-making; Depression; Patient centered; Treatment adherence.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Australia
Decision Making
Decision Making, Shared
Depression* / therapy
Humans
Patient Participation*