Multiple perspectives on shared decision-making and interprofessional collaboration in mental healthcare. Issue 3 (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chong, Wei Wen; Aslani, Parisa; Chen, Timothy F
• Is Part Of: Journal of interprofessional care. Volume 27:Issue 3(2013)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: Holistic medicine -- Periodicals; Interprofessional relations -- Periodicals; Health care teams -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.3109/13561820.2013.767225
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-1820

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Shared decision-making is an essential element of patient-centered care in mental health. Since mental health services involve healthcare providers from different professions, a multiple perspective to shared decision-making may be valuable. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of different healthcare professionals on shared decision-making and current interprofessional collaboration in mental healthcare. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 healthcare providers from a range of professions, which included medical practitioners (psychiatrists, general practitioners), pharmacists, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers. Findings indicated that healthcare providers supported the notion of shared decision-making in mental health, but felt that it should be condition dependent. Medical practitioners advocated a more active participation from consumers in treatment decision-making; whereas other providers (e.g. pharmacists, occupational therapists) focused more toward acknowledging consumers' needs in decisions, perceiving themselves to be in an advisory role in supporting consumers' decision-making. Although healthcare providers acknowledged the importance of interprofessional collaboration, only a minority discussed it within the context of shared decision-making. In conclusion, healthcare providers appeared to have differing perceptions on the level of consumer involvement in shared decision-making. Interprofessional roles to facilitate shared decision-making in mental health need to be acknowledged, understood and strengthened, before an interprofessional approach to shared decision-making in mental health can be effectively implemented.</p> </abstract>