A Case Report of College Students’ Rating of a Shared Decision-Making Tool for Taking Antidepression Medication

Abstract

Forty-nine students enrolled at a medium size public university volunteered to review an interactive decision-making tool constructed to present the pros and cons of taking antidepression medication. The tool is built according to guidelines for shared decision-making with 7 educational sections followed by 4 queries on expectations about antidepressants, 3 key knowledge questions, and determination of readiness to take action. The most frequently cited reason for the content being helpful was improved understanding (78%) followed by increased personal confidence (37%) and helped me take action (14%). The most frequently cited reason for the content not being more helpful was already known information (74%) followed by not enough information (12%). The range of personal preferences underscores the complexity of motivations in responding to depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depression in the college population with a range of treatment options, limitations on resources, and new challenges mounted with the pandemic for campus life recommends further study of such tools.

Comparison of analog and digital patient decision aids for the treatment of depression: a scoping review

“…A variety of advantages or positive aspects specific to digital PDAs for the treatment of depression were discussed: digital PDAs are effective, easy and quick to use and access ( 50 , 51 , 54 , 67 ). They can give patients enough flexibility and time to use them when it is most suitable and comfortable for them without being rushed ( 54 , 55 , 75 , 77 ).…”

“…Digital PDAs can also offer more privacy, for example, when the tool is secured with a password ( 51 , 75 ). They can be important for particular groups such as young patients as they are comfortable with this technology ( 67 , 71 , 72 ). Furthermore, digitalization allows for personalization and tailoring of PDAs ( 15 , 30 , 50 , 69 ).…”

“…Furthermore, more research is needed to determine the precise role of PDAs in SDM, to identify the optimal amount of information provided in PDAs ( 69 ), and PDAs' accessibility for different health literacy levels ( 49 , 50 ). Finally, it was recommended to conduct more research on implementation of PDAs ( 77 ), more specifically on facilitators and barriers for implementing PDAs ( 33 , 46 , 67 , 68 ) as well as on cost-effectiveness of implementing and developing PDAs ( 58 , 62 ).…”

“…Implementation of PDAs (33,46,58,62,67,68,77) Important for PDAs acceptance, development, design and inclusion in the clinical workflow as well as cost-effectiveness considerations.…”