Patient considerations in trauma-focused treatment decision-making: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects 3.9% globally and 7.4% in the Netherlands.
• Evidence-based PTSD treatments exist but show variable uptake.
• Understanding patient decision-making is vital for enhancing care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient perspectives on choosing psychotherapeutic treatments for PTSD.
• To identify factors influencing patient decisions regarding PTSD treatment selection.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 12 semi-structured interviews with PTSD patients (aged 21-55).
• Interviews conducted at a Dutch mental health organization.
• Data analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with grounded theory-inspired techniques.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged, centered on 'patient-attunement'.
• Key factors included treatment characteristics, therapeutic elements, duration/intensity, social support, and information on trauma-focused care.
• Patients valued personalized information, clinician support, and a responsive therapeutic relationship.

Conclusions:

• Multiple factors influence psychotherapeutic trauma-focused treatment choices for PTSD patients.
• Continued patient attunement, addressing diverse needs, is crucial for effective decision-making.
• Shared decision-making, attention to therapeutic relationships, and involving support systems can enhance the process.