Barriers to choice

  • Being passive or reluctant to 'make waves'.

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  • A sense or feeling that maybe the National Health Service (NHS) cannot cope with all our demands. Mental health needs are as valid as any others.

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  • Lack of awareness. It is always worth researching your options. Be assertive if you need to be and don't be afraid to ask for help

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  • If a healthcare professional (HCP) has an attitude that they know best. The relationship between service users and HCPs should be based on mutual respect. Nobody knows your needs, your aspirations, your body and your thoughts better than you. The solution is meaningful collaboration from both sides1,2
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  • Lack of time. People can be hurried into making choices that they later regret. There are many myths within the NHS. If the choice you are making is important, don't be hurried - you can always make another appointment.

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  • If you think you may be a barrier to choice either for yourself or someone in your care, why not quiz yourself in our Interactive Zone
  • Barriers to choice
  • Capacity/resources
  • Attitudes
  • Organisational culture
  • Inequalities
  • Time
  • Lack of clinician skills
  • Lack of training
  • Coercive nature of a mental health system

References

1. Gray R, Rofail D, Allen J, Newey T. A survey of patient satisfaction with and subjective experiences of treatment with antipsychotic medication. Journal of Advanced Nursing 2005;52(1):31-7

2. Gray R, Wykes T, Edmonds M. Effect of a medication management training package for nurses on clinical outcomes for patients with schizophrenia. British Journal of Psychiatry 2004;185:157-162