Shared decision making for psychiatric medication management: a summary of its uptake, barriers and facilitators

The model of shared decision making with mental health patients and clinicians (doctors and pharmacists) harnesses the benefits of patients becoming partners in their own recovery through improved communication and greater self-advocacy. Shared decision making in mental health services is an emerging model of care which has not been well investigated, however it is seen as the way forward to achieving improved health outcomes for non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapy. Successful implementation of this model requires supporting the process through provision of information and training, use of decision aids, coaching in communication skills and inclusion of family and carers in the decision making process. This summary examines the application of the shared decision making model for psychiatric medication management, including barriers and facilitators.