Giulia Rioli1,2, Silvia Ferrari1,3, Claire Henderson4, Riccardo Vandelli5, Giacomo Galli1, Alessandro Minarini1, Gian Maria Galeazzi1,3. 1. Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. 2. Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. 3. Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. 4. Department of Health Service & Population Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK. 5. School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The recovery model in mental health care emphasizes users' right to be involved in key decisions of their care, including choice of one's primary mental health professional (PMHP). AIMS: The aim of this article was to provide a scoping review of the literature on the topic of users' choice, request of change and preferences for the PMHP in community mental health services. METHOD: A search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO for papers in English was performed. Additional relevant research articles were identified through the authors' personal bibliography. RESULTS: A total of 2,774 articles were screened and 38 papers were finally included. Four main aspects emerged: (1) the importance, for users, to be involved in the choice of their PMHP; (2) the importance, for users, of the continuity of care in the relationship with their PMHP; (3) factors of the user/PMHP dyad influencing users' preferences; and (4) the effect of choice on the treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: While it is generally agreed that it is important to consider users' preferences in choosing or requesting to change their PMHP, little research on this topic is available. PMHPs' and other stakeholders' views should also be explored in order to discuss ethical and practical issues.
BACKGROUND: The recovery model in mental health care emphasizes users' right to be involved in key decisions of their care, including choice of one's primary mental health professional (PMHP). AIMS: The aim of this article was to provide a scoping review of the literature on the topic of users' choice, request of change and preferences for the PMHP in community mental health services. METHOD: A search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PsycINFO for papers in English was performed. Additional relevant research articles were identified through the authors' personal bibliography. RESULTS: A total of 2,774 articles were screened and 38 papers were finally included. Four main aspects emerged: (1) the importance, for users, to be involved in the choice of their PMHP; (2) the importance, for users, of the continuity of care in the relationship with their PMHP; (3) factors of the user/PMHP dyad influencing users' preferences; and (4) the effect of choice on the treatment outcomes. CONCLUSION: While it is generally agreed that it is important to consider users' preferences in choosing or requesting to change their PMHP, little research on this topic is available. PMHPs' and other stakeholders' views should also be explored in order to discuss ethical and practical issues.
Keywords:
Recovery; change; choice; community mental health; primary mental health professional; service users