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‘We’ve got another one for you!’ Liaison psychiatry’s experience of stigma towards patients with mental illness and mental health professionals
- Author:
- BOLTON Jim
- Journal article citation:
- Psychiatrist (The), 36(12), December 2012, pp.450-454.
- Publisher:
- Royal College of Psychiatrists
Within a general hospital there is a risk that prejudicial attitudes towards mental illness held by some members of staff may translate into discriminatory behaviour towards patients with mental illness. Liaison psychiatry workers are well placed to notice this behaviour and any resultant impact on care. This study assessed stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness and psychiatric professionals as experienced by UK liaison psychiatry staff. A questionnaire asked about the impact of these events on patient care and for suggestions for tackling stigma in the general hospital. The total of 72 multidisciplinary respondents was made up of consultants 42%, doctors in training 10%, nursing staff 42%, and others 6%. More than three-quarters of those surveyed had experienced stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness by general hospital colleagues at least once a month. Two-thirds reported instances where stigmatisation had an adverse impact on patient care, and over a quarter reported stigmatising attitudes towards mental health professionals themselves. Suggestions for combating stigma included educational initiatives, clear clinical communication, and the provision of high-quality liaison services. The author believes that liaison psychiatry is well placed to both recognise and combat stigma in the general hospital and so help to ensure that patient care is comprehensive, safe and respectful.