Engaging Caregivers in the Treatment of Youth with Complex Developmental and Mental Health Needs.

Caregivers of youth with coexisting cognitive and mental health problems face difficult treatment decisions for their child and have unique challenges engaging in shared decision-making. Many stakeholders can influence care management decisions, and the child's cognitive impairment often prohibits their inclusion in the shared decision-making process. In-depth interviews and focus groups with 37 caregivers elicited their experiences with care management related to their child's educational, mental health, and other care needs. Four themes that describe the process of engagement were awareness, activation, formulating a strategy, and action. Findings show psychoeducation, and peer-to-peer support could enhance caregivers' awareness of the condition and encourage activation, which would help in navigating complex service sectors. Coordinated services could enhance capabilities for formulating a strategy jointly with multiple providers and stakeholders. Ultimately, this would contribute to shared decision-making around a common treatment goal that hopefully leads to better quality of care in the least restrictive setting.