Decision aids are sometimes used to support shared decision-making. Decision aids are tools that help people become involved in decision making by providing information about the options and outcomes and by clarifying personal values.[1] They can play a role by educating patients about unfamiliar treatments, educating them about the pros and cons of preference-sensitive decisions, helping them clarify values and preferences or helping them work through a difficult decision. Decision aids can take the form of pamphlets, videos, workbooks, worksheets, or web-based tools.
Decision aids have been developed and used far more widely for general health care than for mental health care.[2] One of the better developed aids in mental health treatment is the computer based decision support tool for CommonGround. Clients use it in the waiting room before appointments. A supportive peer specialist is present to help them.
Aids such as forms or questionnaires can help patients prepare to take part in decision-making and use appointment time efficiently. Patients can use the downloadable checklist on this website to prepare by noting their symptoms, health status, self-help actions, short-term goals, and immediate needs. They can share the form with the doctor or use it to focus their thoughts during the appointment.
[1] Ottawa Hospital Research Institute: Pateint Decision Aids, http://decisionaid.ohri.ca/
[2] Shared Decision-making in Mental Health Care: Overview and Current Status. Celia E. Wills, Melody Reifer, Carole Schauer, and Paolo del Vecchio. In Shared Decision-Making in Mental Health Care: Practice, Research and Future Directions, p. 96. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2007
