(1) Background: There is a fundamental shift in healthcare toward shared decision making (SDM). This study explores SDM from the perspective of individuals affected by mental illness and their family members and investigates factors which promote and hinder the process. (2) Methods: We conducted N = 15 telephone interviews (n = 4 adults affected by mental illness, n = 5 family members, n = 6 both applicable, the majority reporting experiences with affective and anxiety disorders). Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed according to procedures established by Mayring. (3) Results: Individuals affected by mental illness and their family members have a strong desire to be involved in treatment decisions and to participate in finding a diagnosis. Often these stakeholders are denied the opportunity to participate; sometimes enabling behaviors impede participation. The stigmatization of mental illnesses is a major barrier. There are also structural barriers to SDM within the healthcare system. Peer support, self-help associations, and psychosocial counseling services are important to empowering individuals and promoting SDM. (4) Conclusions: SDM has the potential to improve the quality of mental healthcare. Barriers can be mitigated and new approaches for interventions in the psychiatric sector have been identified. This study has also shown the importance of understanding SDM as a process that should begin at the diagnostic phase.

(1) The rising proportion of older adults in the population represents a challenge for the healthcare system. Women and men age differently. This study aims to examine gender-specific characteristics of health in old age from male and female perspectives. (2) Two focus groups were formed in this qualitative study of older (70+) women (n = 10) and men (n = 8) in accordance with the theoretical framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) on healthy ageing determinants. The data were audio recorded and fully transcribed. Qualitative content analysis was performed using MAXQDA. (3) In both focus groups (average age: women 77.1 years, men 74.9 years), gender-specific characteristics regarding healthy ageing were discussed. Women focused on healthy eating, while men focused on an active lifestyle and meaningful activities. Physical and social activities were considered as important for healthy ageing in both groups. (4) Important gender-specific characteristics of health in old age were identified and recommendations for gender-unspecific and gender-specific recommendations were derived. The results provide important information for promoting and maintaining health in old age. Women and men show both similarities and differences in terms of health-related needs and individual experiences. We suggest gender-specific features in nutrition and health programs for older adults.

(1) Background: “Patient health information” promote health literacy. “Patient guidelines” as a sub group reflect the current evidence about illnesses and treatment options adapted to the needs of laypersons. Little is known about factors promoting and hindering their use by people affected by mental illness and their relatives. (2) Methods: Telephone interviews (N = 15; n = 4 adults affected by mental illness, n = 5 relatives, n = 6 both applicable) were conducted according to the Sørensen model of health literacy. Data were recorded, transcribed and content-analyzed following Mayring. (3) Results: Health information is used regularly by individuals affected by mental illness and their relatives, but “patient guidelines” are largely unknown. Yet, there is a great willingness to use them. Main barriers are a lack of statistical knowledge, the complexity of health-related topics and cognitive impairment sometimes accompanying mental illnesses. Target group-oriented adaptation as well as transparent and even-handed presentation of (dis-)advantages of treatment options can increase trust. (4) Conclusions: Health information and guidelines can help affected persons and relatives to make treatment decisions by conveying unbiased, up-to-date knowledge. Target group-specific adaptations should be made for psychiatric illnesses and features specific to mental illnesses compared to physical illnesses should be included. Clinical practice guidelines must be distributed more widely to increase their impact.

E-mental health interventions can usefully supplement mental health care. Health care providers are important to the routine implementation. Until now, little has been known about their attitudes about e-mental health and its use in treatment. This study aims to comprehensively examine health care providers' attitudes and experiences regarding e-mental health interventions over time. Data for this explorative analysis derive from a longitudinal study of N = 335 health care providers from four professional groups in German mental health care (GPs, specialist doctors, psychotherapists, and clinicians). In two surveys conducted one year apart, usage as well as advantages of and barriers to e-mental health interventions were assessed. Usage patterns based on self-report were examined according to socio-demographic correlates. In a binary logistic regression, correlations between use at follow-up and baseline variables were analyzed. At follow-up, the inclusion of e-mental health interventions in treatment was increased to 40 % compared to baseline (28.4 %). Also, more participants reported having better knowledge and having received information about e-mental health. Gender, age, and knowledge about e-mental health interventions were significantly associated with usage patterns. In the regression analysis, gender, age, and professional group were relevant predictors of use at follow-up. Our results show that increasingly health care providers are including e-mental health interventions in treatment. This is presumably related to better knowledge. However, it is clear that e-mental health interventions are not yet an established component of health care. Rather, implementation efforts, particularly the dissemination of informational materials, are required to promote the use.

Zusammenfassung: Ziel Die Studie untersucht, wie gut die Beteiligung von Menschen mit psychischen Beeinträchtigungen und Angehörigen an der Entwicklung von psychiatrischen Leitlinien gegenwärtig gelingt. Methodik Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter N=561 (Response 37%) Entwickler:innen werden vorgestellt. Ergebnisse Die Einbindung Betroffener gelingt häufiger gut als die Angehöriger (61% vs. 55%). 68% stimmten zu, dass deren Einbindung zentral für eine erfolgreiche Entwicklung ist. 51% sahen Diskrepanzen zwischen Evidenz und Betroffenen- und Angehörigenperspektive. Benannt wurden auch eine mangelnde Wertschätzung der Erfahrungsexpertise (33–36%), ungenügende Repräsentanz (37%) und unzureichende Gleichberechtigung in der Konsensfindung (46%). 45% sahen Barrieren der Mitwirkung nicht wirksam abgebaut. Schlussfolgerung Es bestehen weiterhin Herausforderungen bei der Partizipation in der Leitlinienentwicklung. Gleichzeitig gibt es ein Bewusstsein, dass diese für die Qualität einer Leitlinie zentral ist. Es gilt, dieses Bewusstsein weiter auszubauen und den Herausforderungen wirksam zu begegnen.