Seven-day shared decision making for outpatients with first episode of mood disorders among university students: A randomized controlled trial. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aoki, Yumi; Takaesu, Yoshikazu; Inoue, Masato; Furuno, Takehiko; Kobayashi, Yasushi; Chiba, Hiromi; Kakita, Yasuhide; Hori, Masashi; Tachimori, Hisateru; Watanabe, Koichiro
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 281(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: SDM -- Decision making -- Decision support techniques -- Decision aid -- Patient participation -- Young adult -- Depression -- Bipolar disorders; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The university age is a peak period for mood disorder onset, particularly for first episodes. We developed and evaluated a seven-day shared decision making (SDM) program suitable for outpatients with a first episode of mood disorders among university students. The program effectively improved patient-perceived involvement in medical decisions without extending the consultation duration compared with usual care. The program was feasible and did not introduce any potential harm. Abstract: Providing appropriate treatment to patients with a first episode of mood disorders is crucial for recovery from the disorders. Although shared decision making (SDM) has been proposed as a promising model in psychiatric practice, an appropriate SDM approach has not yet been established. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of an originally developed seven-day SDM program for outpatients with a first episode of mood disorders among university students. University students with a first episode of mood disorders were randomly allocated into two arms: SDM and control. The participants in the SDM arm received the seven-day SDM program, which included option presentation consultation, external deliberation with a decision aid booklet, decision coaching by a nurse, and decision-making consultation. The control arm received usual care. The primary outcome was patient-perceived involvement. We enrolled 88 participants. Compared with usual care, the SDM program significantly improved patient-perceived involvement in treatment decision making without taking up clinicians' time. The program did not lead to worse symptoms of mood disorders. In conclusion, sharing treatment decision making with university students with a first episode of mood disorders is feasible.