Interprofessional Insights into Shared Decision-Making in Inpatient Mental Health Facilities for Youth in Austria—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Shared Decision-Making (SDM) is increasingly recommended in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP), yet little is known about its implementation across professional groups in Austrian inpatient CAP services. This study examined differences in SDM knowledge and implementation between professions and explored the association between professional experience and self-reported SDM use. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among healthcare professionals working in Austrian inpatient CAP facilities. The questionnaire assessed SDM knowledge, attitudes, implementation, perceived barriers, and sociodemographic characteristics. Group differences were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis tests, and binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between professional experience and SDM use. Results: A total of 56 healthcare professionals participated. Most respondents reported using SDM in clinical practice (83.9%) and expressed positive attitudes towards patient involvement. Significant differences in SDM knowledge were found across professional groups (H(3) = 8.99, p = 0.029), whereas SDM implementation scores did not differ significantly between professions (H(3) = 3.27, p = 0.352). Organizational and planning-related factors were identified as the main barriers to SDM implementation. Professional experience significantly predicted SDM use (OR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.22, 0.90], p = 0.025). Higher professional experience was associated with a lower likelihood of reporting SDM use. Conclusions: Participants generally reported frequent use of SDM in Austrian inpatient CAP services. While professional groups differed in SDM knowledge, reported SDM use was comparable across professions. Organizational barriers were identified as the most frequently reported obstacles to SDM implementation. Future research should examine how organizational and educational strategies may support SDM implementation in CAP settings.