The Patient's Role Development in the Process of Participating in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings: From Passive Attendees to Active Members or Dropouts

Mental health patients are increasingly invited to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings during their admission to inpatient mental health units. To participate effectively, patients must adopt a role that enables them to actively engage and take their place as contributing member of the team. This study aims to understand how mental health patients experience the development of their roles when participating in multidisciplinary team meetings and to identify which dynamics are meaningful to them. A qualitative interview approach, using principles of grounded theory, was employed. Twelve mental health patients in Belgium were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method. The conceptual framework which emerged reveals that mental health patients strive to assume a partnership role within the team. To effectively take on this role, they identify three key components as essential: being informed and prepared, being seen and heard and being able to understand. Based on their reflections on these components and the perceived value of their contributions and efforts, mental health patients decide whether to become and remain active members, revert to passive attendance or disengage entirely. These insights can encourage organisations to create an environment where mental health patients can grow into their role as partners in multidisciplinary team meetings. Such an environment would enable collaborative efforts between patients and the treatment team, recognising each patient as a unique individual capable of making their own choices. By focusing on what is personally meaningful to the patient and addressing their specific needs, this approach ensures that care is tailored to what is crucial for patients' recovery.