Exploring mental health clients' current medication knowledge, beliefs and experience with healthcare providers in the community in South Australia

Abstract

In Australia, mental illness has been recognised as a National Health Priority area, with the coronavirus pandemic adding a layer of urgency to the need to address the multiple health problems faced by clients with mental illnesses. Whilst much has been done in efforts to support these clients, little is known about their medication knowledge and experience with health professionals. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and beliefs of clients on the use of psychotropic medications and study their experiences with healthcare providers. Adult participants at a not‐for‐profit community‐managed specialist mental health service provider in Adelaide, South Australia were recruited. Four focus group sessions were conducted between February 2020 and March 2021. All sessions were co‐facilitated by a peer practitioner with lived experience. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants (n = 27) reported that provision of medication education was inadequate and, in some cases, non‐existent. There was an apparent lack of support for monitoring and managing common side effects, such as weight gain. Participants described not being involved in any decision‐making processes and that establishing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship with their healthcare providers was challenging. Perceived stigma remains a barrier in accessing healthcare. Despite participants regularly interacting with a range of healthcare providers, findings highlight key gaps in care, particularly medication education and establishing a therapeutic relationship with their healthcare providers. Future mental health reforms should consider the provision of additional medication education in community settings, such as at not‐for‐profit organisations. Moreover, healthcare providers should take a proactive approach in establishing therapeutic relationships.

Supported decision‐making interventions in mental healthcare: A systematic review of current evidence and implementation barriers

“…[3][4][5] Yet, evidence demonstrates that progress in mental health services towards this objective, in practice, has lagged. 3,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Both shared decision-making and, more recently, supported decision-making, are models that can be applied in mental health treatment planning to facilitate opportunities for the greater involvement of service users in that experience. 18,19 Both sit along a spectrum of approaches to medical decision-making, between the still prevalent paternalistic model and the autonomous decision model.…”

“…In addition, there seems to be general in‐principle recognition by mental health practitioners of the importance of shared and supported decision‐making in the care that they provide 3–5 . Yet, evidence demonstrates that progress in mental health services towards this objective, in practice , has lagged 3,6–17 …”

“… 3 , 4 , 5 Yet, evidence demonstrates that progress in mental health services towards this objective, in practice , has lagged. 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 …”

Effectiveness Of Psychoeducation And Assertive Training (PEAT) Combined For Improving Medication Adherence In Patients With Schizophrenia

“…Inadequate medication Education about psychotropic medications is provided to clients with mental illness, which is exacerbated by difficulties in establishing and sustaining a stable therapeutic alliance with their healthcare providers. It has been demonstrated that monitoring side effects is the most difficult part of pharmacotherapy for people with mental diseases who are allowed to live in the community (Bui et al, 2022). Improving medication adherence starts with a collaboration between the patient and his therapist that allows them to accomplish goals through assigned tasks.…”