Information and decision-making needs of psychiatric patients: the perspective of relatives

BACKGROUND: Mental illness may strongly affect relatives’ lives. Therefore, it is important to empower relatives by providing health information according to their preferences. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a purpose-designed questionnaire on online health information and decision-support needs. RESULTS: Prevalent reasons for online health information search of the 185 participating relatives were the need for general information and the insufficiency of the information given by the health care provider. The most difficult treatment decisions concerned the treatment setting (inpatient or outpatient) as well as the psychopharmacological treatment. DISCUSSION: Since psychiatric patients’ relatives report extensive information and decision-support needs, it is essential to address their needs in health information material. Assessment of relatives’ needs when developing health information materials is recommended.