Efficacy of a Peer-Led, Recovery-Oriented Shared Decision-Making System: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The effects of a comprehensive shared decision-making system based on the CommonGround approach and incorporating peer support and a computerized decision aid were investigated.

Methods: A pilot randomized controlled trial with six-month follow-up was conducted in Japan. Fifty-six outpatients with mental illness were randomly allocated to a shared decision-making system (intervention) group or treatment as usual (control) group. The implementation process and several outcomes were compared between groups.

Results: The core components and processes of shared decision making were observed in the intervention group more frequently than in the control group. The intervention group also reported a significantly more positive participants' view of the relationship with their doctor than the control group. The intervention did not have a significant effect on most clinical and recovery-related outcomes.

Conclusions: The shared decision-making system appeared to partly improve patients' perceptions of communication and relationships with doctors but did not have a significant effect on other patient-level outcomes.

Keywords: Outpatient treatment; Patient advocacy; Randomized controlled trial; Recovery; Staff relationships/roles.