Patient satisfaction and shared decision-making in a psychiatric ward

Introduction In the dynamic setting of psychiatric care, patient satisfaction and shared decision-making are crucial for optimal, personalized treatment. This approach is particularly vital in the context of a psychiatric ward, where engaging patients in treatment decisions could enhance their satisfaction and the overall therapeutic outcomes. Objectives This study evaluated the impact of shared decision-making on patient satisfaction from services among patients treated in a psychiatric ward. Additionally, it examined whether there are differences in satisfaction between psychotic and non-psychotic patients. Methods 53 patients (30 women and 23 men) who were hospitalized in the 4th Inpatient Department of the Psychiatric Hospital of Attica were assessed using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) and the 9-Item Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire (SDM-Q-9). Diagnoses were based on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.). A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of the SDM-Q-9 total score and of the presence of psychotic symptoms on the CSQ-8 total score. The relationship of separate SDM-Q-9 and CSQ-8 items, controlling for the presence of psychosis was further analyzed through partial correlation analyses. The Bonferroni method was employed in order to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results The mean age of the participants was 47.49 years (SD=13,65), and the mean duration of the disease was 15 years (SD=12,36). Thirty-two patients were diagnosed with psychotic disorders (psychotic disorder=28, bipolar disorder=1, mood disorder with psychotic features=3), while twenty-one were diagnosed with non-psychotic disorders (including Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use disorders). Increasing SDM-Q-9 total score significantly correlated with increasing CSQ-8 total score (B=0,276, 95% CI=,177, 0.374, t=5,627, p<0.001). Partial correlation analyses showed that separate SDM-Q-9 items significantly correlated with separate CSQ-8 items, while many correlations survived the stringent bonferonni correction. The presence of psychotic symptoms was not associated with client satisfaction. Conclusions Our findings suggest that shared decision-making correlates positively with patient’s satisfaction from services during their hospitalization in a psychiatric ward and this was independent of the presence of psychosis. In the ongoing effort to find real-world solutions in mental health, integrating shared decision-making practices into psychiatric care can be a fundamental strategy to empower and satisfy patients suffering from mental disorders. Disclosure of Interest None Declared