Shared decision-making and the implementation of treatment recommendations for depression.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the relationship between shared decision-making (SDM) and the implementation of treatment recommendations amongst outpatients at a specialist Depression Clinic.

METHODS

A total of 110 adult outpatients in a specialist Depression Clinic in Sydney, Australia, completed an online survey examining their experiences of shared decision-making (SDM) during their psychiatrist consultation and the extent to which they later implemented Depression Clinic treatment recommendations.

RESULTS

The odds of implementing treatment recommendations were over four times higher in patients who reported a high level of SDM in their consultation, compared to those who reported a low level of SDM. Further, three elements of patient-rated SDM were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of implementing depression treatment recommendations. These three elements were: i) being given the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns; ii) being asked about any problems or side effects from previous treatments; and iii) being involved in deciding their treatment plan.

CONCLUSIONS

SDM was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of implementing psychiatrists' treatment recommendations at a specialist Depression Clinic.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

We recommend that clinicians be informed of the potential benefits of SDM and adopt SDM when developing treatment plans with patients living with depression.