Enhancing Collaborative Decision-Making Among Veterans of Color in VA Mental Health Care

Summary

The research project led by Dr. Emily Treichler and her team at the VA San Diego and UC San Diego Department of Psychiatry aimed to enhance collaborative decision-making among Veterans of color with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in VA mental health care. The study used community-engaged mixed methods to identify the preferences, values, and current experiences related to treatment decision-making among these veterans. It also sought feedback to culturally tailor an empowerment-oriented group intervention called Collaborative Decision Skills Training, intended to boost collaborative decision-making in this group.

The Challenge

Veterans of color with serious mental illness (SMI) are significantly underrepresented in decision-making processes about their treatment despite their high need for mental health services. Only 20% or less of veterans with SMI are currently involved in their treatment decisions, with even lower involvement among people of color. This project addressed the disparity in recovery-oriented services, which are crucial for supporting veterans in pursuing fulfilling lives irrespective of symptom severity.

The Approach

The team engaged directly with veterans of color, involving them in co-designing major study elements, such as survey selection and interview design. The research involved conducting surveys and qualitative interviews with participants. The first interview gathered insights on their experiences and preferences in treatment decision-making, while the second focused on their feedback on the Collaborative Decision Skills Training after reviewing the materials for over a week. This hands-on approach facilitated a deeper understanding of the unique needs and preferences of this group.

The Impact

The clinical and medical benefits of this initiative focus on enhancing collaborative decision-making among Veterans of color with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) by tailoring the Collaborative Decision Skills Training based on their feedback and creating clinical guidelines from Veteran-led recommendations. This aims to improve equity in recovery-oriented mental health services within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and although primarily targeting mental health services, it could influence other VA services like primary care. Additionally, the community and public health benefits revolve around involving Veterans in research and public health strategies to ensure effective and equitable co-creation. Insights gained from Veteran participants help improve engagement and advocacy beyond individual decision-making, fostering stronger relationships between Veterans and VA or academic entities, ultimately enhancing public health outcomes.

Key Benefits

		The study led to the cultural tailoring of the Collaborative Decision Skills Training manual, making it more relevant and effective for veterans of color. Demonstrated Benefit
		The research helped generate veteran-led clinical recommendations, which are poised to improve the quality of care within the VA system. Demonstrated Benefit
		This research led to the identification of effective co-creation methodologies with Veteran partner teams. Demonstrated Benefit
		By identifying multilevel determinants of high-quality care, the project is set to improve the accessibility and equity of mental health services for veterans of color. Potential Benefit
		The project supports increased collaborative decision-making during care delivery by identifying key determinants and engaging the veterans in the decision-making process. Potential Benefit
		The identification of current levels of collaborative decision-making and its relationship with key social determinants of health among veterans of color could enhance public health practices and policies. Potential Benefit

References

Park, S.G., Derman, M., Dixon, L.B., Brown, C.H., Klingaman, E.A., Fang, L.J., Medoff, D.R., and Kreyenbuhl, J. (2014). Factors Associated With Shared Decision–Making Preferences Among Veterans With Serious Mental Illness. PS 65, 1409–1413. 10.1176/appi.ps.201400131.

Treichler, E.B.H., Rabin, B.A., Cohen, A.N., and Light, G.A. (2021). How Shared Is Shared Decision Making? Reaching the Full Potential of Patient-Clinician Collaboration in Mental Health. Harv Rev Psychiatry 29, 361–369. 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000304.

Lin M-Y, Kressin NR. Race/ethnicity and Americansʼ experiences with treatment decision making. Patient Educ Couns 2015;98(12):1636–1642.

Patel SR, Bakken S. Preferences for Participation in Decision Making Among Ethnically Diverse Patients with Anxiety and Depression. Community Ment Health J 2010;46(5):466–473.