Shared decision-making: increases autonomy in substance-dependent patients

Abstract

This study examines the effect of a shared decision-making intervention (SDMI) on patients' and clinicians' self-perceived interpersonal behavior. Clinicians (n = 34) in three addiction treatment centers in the Netherlands were randomly assigned to SDMI or treatment decision-making as usual. Patients receiving inpatient treatment in 2005-2006 were included (n = 212). Baseline characteristics were measured by the European Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI) and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module (CIDI-SAM). Treatment goals were assessed using the Goals of Treatment Questionnaire (GoT-Q) plus a Q-sort ranking procedure. Interpersonal behavior was measured by Interpersonal Checklist-Revised (ICL-R) at baseline, end of treatment, and 3-month follow-up. Repeated measures analyses of variance and multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis were used. The key finding of this study was that SDMI is associated with an increase of patient autonomy (independent behavior) and control behavior. The study limitations have been noted.