Citation

Eliacin J, Salyers MP, Kukla M, Matthias MS. J. Ment. Health 2014; 24(1): 24-28.

Affiliation

Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Health Services Research and Development, Center for Health Information and Communication, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center , Indianapolis, IN , USA .

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.3109/09638237.2014.954695

PMID

25279691

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although research has suggested that patients desire to participate in shared decision-making, recent studies show that most patients take a passive role in their treatment decisions. The discrepancy between patients' expressed desire and actual behaviors underscores the need to better understand how patients perceive shared decision-making and what factors influence their participation. Aims: To investigate patients' preferences and appraisals of their involvement in treatment decisions.

METHODS: Fifty-four qualitative interviews were conducted with veterans receiving outpatient mental health care at a U.S. Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Participants outlined several factors that influence their preferences and involvement in treatment decisions. These include the patient-provider relationship, fear of being judged, perceived inadequacy, and a history of substance abuse.

CONCLUSION: Patients' preferences and willingness to engage in shared decision-making fluctuate over time and are context dependent. A better understanding of these factors and a strong patient-provider relationship will facilitate better measurement and implementation of shared decision-making.

Language: en