Meta-analysis on the effects of client preferences on treatment satisfaction, completion, and clinical outcome: A 10-year update

The current meta-analysis sought to provide a 10-year update to a previously published meta-analysis (Lindhiem et al., 2014) focusing on the effects of patient preference or active choice on treatment satisfaction (k = 25), treatment completion (k = 27), and clinical outcome (k = 46) in the treatment of psychological and medical conditions. A literature search identified 26 new randomized controlled trials that were published over the past 10 years. These new studies, when combined with the studies from the original meta-analysis, yielded a total of 59 articles describing 60 studies. The overall effect sizes were similar to the original meta-analysis, with small effects being observed for treatment satisfaction (ES_d = 0.26; p < .001), completion (ES_OR = 1.30; ES_d = 0.14; p < .001), and outcome (ES_d = 0.14; p < .001). Also similar to the original meta-analysis, these effects were generally consistent across moderators, with the exception of the condition being treated. Individuals with depression who made an active choice or otherwise received their preferred treatment were more likely to complete treatment compared to treatments for other presenting problems. Over the past 10 years, research on patient preference has expanded to new psychological and medical conditions, and new studies frequently included a psychoeducation component (i.e., informed choice). Study findings highlight the potential benefit of assessing patient preference and shared decision making.