Knowledge and attitudes of Spanish mental health professionals towards advance healthcare directives

Accessible summaryWhat is known on the subject? AHDs in mental health are fundamental tools in advance care planning processes. It is an important method for involving mental healthcare users in clinical decisions and in providing effective healthcare based around user preferences. AHDs can be applied in situations in which the person may forfeit their legal capacity, according to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. However, the use of AHDs as described above is not yet a reality in Spain. What the paper adds to existing knowledge? The present study surveys the knowledge and attitudes of mental healthcare providers towards AHDs in clinical practice. Although providers had a moderate-low level of knowledge about AHDs, they presented positive attitudes towards them. What are the implications for practice? The use of AHDs in mental healthcare practice poses challenges to the Spanish mental healthcare system. Acquiring up-to-date data on the knowledge and attitudes of providers towards AHDs allows organizations to address aspects of their service that require reinforcement. This data could also be used by other countries just starting to use AHDs, as an initial step towards supporting the implementation of a multistage intervention process. More in-depth training for providers would help improve their competence to implement or honour the statements set out in AHDs, the related legal and ethical issues, and liability issues related to their implementation. The Spanish mental healthcare system requires structural changes so that providers can embrace new ways of relating to users and to organize partnerships and a continuity of care centred on user preferences. Introduction Advance healthcare directives (AHDs) in mental health offer important information regarding service users' preferences. However, whether AHDs are truly understood by providers is questionable. Aim To survey the knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals towards AHDs and examine any associations with sociodemographic and occupational variables. Method We cross-sectionally surveyed the knowledge and attitudes of 113 mental health professionals by using two validated questionnaires. Results Participants showed very positive attitudes and high levels of knowledge about the conceptual definition and application of AHDs in clinical practice but their knowledge of the legalities, procedure and registration of AHDs was poor. Working in a community, having a career specializing in mental health or having personally signed an AHD was associated with enhanced knowledge about them. Moreover, female sex or employment as an auxiliary nursing-care technician was associated with stronger positive attitudes. Discussion Legal and structural changes will be needed to implement AHDs in Spain and to promote competence among healthcare providers in order to include AHDs in everyday practice. Implications for practice The Spanish mental healthcare system requires legal and structural changes and must improve healthcare providers' competence in AHDs before they are implemented.