Priorities and preferences for the outcomes of treatment of psychosis: A service user perspective

Background: It is increasingly argued that mental health service users should be consulted to determine the outcomes of treatment they prioritise, and the elements of treatment they find most helpful. Qualitative research may allow for more complete explorations and expressions of service users' own perceptions of this topic. Aim: To summarise current qualitative evidence about service users' priorities and preferences for treatment of psychosis and overall outcomes. Methods: Narrative literature review methods were used to identify qualitative research to obtain service user personal priorities and preferences for valued outcomes in relation to treatment of psychosis. Results: A notable finding was that qualitative evidence about the priorities and preferences directly identified by service users was remarkably scarce. The most relevant articles found presented several central outcome priorities and treatment preferences. Priorities for treatment outcomes included improved social and functional ability and satisfaction, and reduced symptomatology. Treatment preferences included person-centred, collaborative approaches to care and for adjuncts or alternatives to the traditional medical model of psychosis (e.g. psychological therapy or psychosocial interventions). Conclusions: The implications of these findings are considered for research and practice.