EVALUATION OF A DECISION AID FOR ANTIPSYCHOTIC MEDICATION

Purpose: To field test an interactive, computer-based Decision Aid (DA) about Antipsychotic Medications that offers objective information about medications, side effects, and a variety of treatment and service options, including complementary and alternative approaches and recovery activities.

Method: SAMHSA contracted with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. to evaluate user satisfaction. The objectives of the evaluation were to determine: (1) usefulness of the DA, (2) appropriate contexts for the DA, (3) whether the DA supported shared decision-making, and (4) opportunities and barriers related to implementation of shared decision-making in mental health agencies. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from service users and providers at 3 mental health agencies. Quantitative data were collected through standardized surveys. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups, key informant interviews, and process evaluation.

Result: Across the 3 pilot sites, 84 service users and 15 agency staff participated in evaluating the DA, with staff assisting 114 service users in using it. 92% of participants found the DA easy to use. 95% reported that it was helpful, 96% would recommend it to others, and 88% would use it again. 81% reported that specific DA features were helpful and 62% found links to other information helpful. Some participants were not able to access these links due to navigation problems or time constraints. 62% reported that they wanted the decision to be shared and 54% stated that the decision had actually been shared. 72% reported that as a result of using the DA they told the provider what was important to them, 69% were more confident about asking questions about antipsychotic medications, and 58% were more confident about discussing difficult topics with their provider. All staff who reviewed the DA reported that they would recommend the product to service users and felt that the product supported shared decision-making in mental health. 86% felt that the DA provided sufficient information. A majority, ranging from 67% to 93%, reported that many of the service users they had worked with benefitted in other ways such as increased confidence about making a mental health decision or talking to a provider.

Conclusion: Our findings strongly support the objectives of the DA: to impart information, promote communication, and provide useful tools for informed decision making around antipsychotic medications.