Psychiatric nurses’ understandings and attitudes toward the participation of patients with mental disorders in shared decision-making: a phenomenological study - Report - MDSpire

Perceptions and Attitudes of Psychiatric Nurses Regarding Patient Involvement in Shared Decision-Making: A Phenomenological Analysis

  • By

  • Yan Han

  • Tiantian Mou

  • Yan Qiao

  • Qian Wang

  • July 17, 2026

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Perceptions and Attitudes of Psychiatric Nurses Regarding Patient Involvement in SDM

Overview

This study explores psychiatric nurses' perceptions of shared decision-making (SDM) in closed psychiatric wards.

Background

Shared decision-making (SDM) is essential in mental health care, promoting collaboration between clinicians and patients. Its implementation in closed psychiatric settings is complicated by factors such as fluctuating decision-making capacity and safety concerns.

Data Highlights

No numerical data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • Nurses endorsed the value of SDM but conflated it with informed consent.
  • Decision-making capacity was viewed as constrained by the patient's illness phase and risk factors.
  • Nurses often positioned themselves as intermediaries rather than co-decision-makers.
  • Attitudes towards SDM varied based on patient acuity and ward culture.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the need for training and support for psychiatric nurses.

Conclusion

Psychiatric nurses' interpretations of SDM reflect the complexities of closed psychiatric care.

Related Resources & Content

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  2. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), 2026 -- Patient Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence–Supported Shared Decision-Making in UK Primary Care for Multiple Long-Term Conditions: Qualitative Study
  3. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- The Role of Mental Health Professionals in Psychiatric Advance Directives: Addressing Epistemic Injustice and Ethical Considerations
  4. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Optimism, ambivalence, and opportunities: staff perspectives signaling a critical turn in patient-oriented research in forensic mental health care settings
  5. NICE, 2026 -- Shared decision making
  6. SAMHSA, 2025 -- 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care
  7. WHO blueprint for mental health policy and law reform
  8. Implementing shared decision-making on acute psychiatric wards: a cluster-randomized trial with inpatients suffering from schizophrenia (SDM-PLUS)
  9. Shared decision making
  10. 2025 National Guidelines for a Behavioral Health Coordinated System of Crisis Care
  11. https://assets.cureus.com/uploads/review_article/pdf/343849/20250731-190176-hhfik5.pdf
  12. QSO-25-24-Hospitals

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