DECIDE Study: Effectiveness of shared decision-making in treatment planning at discharge of inpatient with schizophrenia. Experience after 20 months of the study

Abstract

Introduction

Shared decision-making denotes a structured process that encourages full participation by patient and provider in making complex medical decisions. There has been extensive and growing interest in its application to long-term illnesses but surprisingly not in severe psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia. However, the great majority of schizophrenics are capable of understanding treatment choices and making rational decisions. Although the main justification for shared decision-making is ethical, several randomized controlled trials support its effectiveness in improving the quality of decisions, but robust evidence in objective health outcomes is needed.

Aims and objectives

Of the study: to demonstrate the effectiveness, measured as treatment adherence and readmissions at 3, 6 and 12 months, of shared decision making in the choice of antipsychotic treatment at discharge.

Of the oral presentation: to present the study design; to make an interim report of the data obtained at the moment of the congress.

Methods

Randomized controlled trial, prospective, two parallel groups, not masked, comparing two interventions (shared decision making and treatment as usual). Study population: Inpatients diagnosed of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders (ICD-10/DSM-IV-R: F20 y F25) at Adult Acute Hospitalization Unit at Jerez General Hospital.

Results

Currently in the recruiting phase with 55 patients included in the study. An interim analysis of at least half of the target sample size.

Conclusions

We will show the study design and decision tools employed. Conclusions in relation to the effectiveness (adherence and readmissions) and subjective perception.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.