An Interview study with Professionals on Shared Decision-Making in Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Background Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is a paradigm that involves collaboration between healthcare professionals and service users to reach decisions jointly. This approach is based on the exchange of information, identification of service users’ values and preferences, analysis of treatment options, and consensus on an action plan. The present study aims to explore the beliefs and attitudes professionals regarding this model, in a context where its implementation has not yet begun in services for children and adolescents but is starting in the adult mental health system. Methods A qualitative investigation was conducted through thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with various mental health professionals. Results While SDM offers potential benefits, its implementation entails a series of requirements, limitations, and dilemmas that must be addressed. In the child and adolescent context, it is particularly complex to establish specific ages for applying this model and to determine in which cases it is appropriate. Conclusions The adoption of SDM would represent a significant advancement that could contribute to improving the well-being of service users.