Psychiatric service staff perceptions of implementing a shared decision-making tool: a process evaluation study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric Services Research
• Health Informatics
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Shared decision making (SDM) in psychiatric services enhances patient involvement, self-efficacy, autonomy, and reduces coercion.
• Decision support tools can facilitate SDM and reshape user-staff collaboration in treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and analyze the implementation process of an SDM intervention for psychiatric service users in Sweden.

Main Methods:

• A process evaluation using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Focus on contextual factors, implementation issues, and mechanisms of impact.

Main Results:

• Addressed critical implementation issues: decision-making authority, user decision-making ability, and service readiness for increased participation.
• Highlighted the importance of facilitation and contextual adaptations for local organizations.

Conclusions:

• Staff found the decision support tool user-friendly and beneficial for participation.
• Concrete supports for participation can be key to successful implementation if organizational contexts and structures are adequately considered.