[Shared decision-making in acute psychiatric medicine : Contraindication or a challenge?]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Shared decision-making (SDM) is established in somatic medicine but underused in psychiatric clinical practice.
• Despite acceptance and positive study outcomes, SDM is poorly implemented in mental healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the concept and practicality of SDM in mental health.
• To present strategies for implementing SDM in psychiatric medicine.
• To outline ongoing clinical studies on SDM implementation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual assessment of SDM in mental health.
• Presentation of implementation strategies for psychiatric settings.
• Review of current clinical studies on SDM strategies.

Main Results:

• Psychiatrists cite time shortages and concerns about patient capacity and decision risks as barriers to SDM.
• Misinterpretation of SDM and adherence to paternalistic models contribute to its underutilization.
• Existing barriers to SDM include communication skill deficits and lack of patient empowerment.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming SDM underutilization requires communication skill workshops for all mental health professionals.
• Utilizing decision aids and patient training can empower individuals to participate in shared decision-making.
• Facilitating SDM supports the patient-centered treatment approach in psychiatric routine care.