Dr Alana Fisher Assoc MAPS
The University of Sydney
Thesis title – Enhancing treatment decision-making in bipolar II disorder: Development and evaluation of a treatment decision-aid for patients and their families
Alana’s thesis comprised a multiphase program of qualitative and quantitative research which culminated in the co-design and evaluation of a world-first decision-aid to promote shared decision-making for patients considering treatment options to prevent relapse in bipolar II disorder. Her findings showed that the patient decision-aid was acceptable, feasible and safe to use in amongst potential end-users, and supported patients to be knowledgeable about treatment options and make an informed choice based on the best available clinical evidence and personal preferences. Based on her thesis, Alana has published six first-author publications, presented 13 times at international/national conferences, and was awarded a prestigious Australian Rotary Mental Health Grant to lead a website adaption and RCT of the decision-aid to empower young adults making treatment decisions.
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