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Exploring experiences of and attitudes towards mental illness and disclosure amongst health care professionals: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- WAUGH William, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 26(5), 2017, pp.457-463.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: The literature suggests that many health professionals hold stigmatising attitudes towards those with mental illness and that this impacts on patient care. Little attention has been given to how these attitudes affect colleagues with a mental illness. Current research demonstrates that stigma and discrimination are common in the UK workplace and impact on one’s decision to disclose mental illness. Aims: This study aims to explore health professionals’ experiences of and attitudes towards mental illness and disclosure in the workplace. Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 24 health professionals employed by an NHS (National Health Service) trust. 13 of these worked in mental health, and 11 in other health fields. Interviews were transcribed and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Five key themes were identified from the data: personal experiences and their effect in changing attitudes; perceived stigmatising views of mental illness in other staff members; hypothetical disclosure: factors affecting one’s decision; attitudes towards disclosure; support in the workplace after disclosure; and, applying only to those working outside of the mental health field, mental illness is not talked about. The results indicated that participants had a great deal of experience with colleagues with a mental illness and that support in the workplace for such illnesses is variable. Attitudes of participating health professionals towards colleagues with a mental illness appeared to be positive, however, they did report that other colleagues held negative attitudes. Deciding to disclose a mental illness was a carefully thought out decision with a number of advantages and disadvantages noted. In particular, it was found that health professionals’ fear stigma and discrimination from colleagues and that this would dissuade participants from disclosing a mental illness. Conclusion: In many respects, this research supports the findings in other workplaces. Such findings need to be investigated further to identify the degree to which these experiences and attitudes can be applied to other health professionals in other healthcare settings to determine what intervention is necessary. Importantly, this study has also indicated that the level of support available to NHS health professionals with a mental illness is variable, suggesting the need to identify and replicate positive practice. (Publisher abstract)
Exploring the impact of peer support in early intervention in psychosis
- Authors:
- WHITE Hannah, PRICE Laura, BARKER Tom
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 22(2), 2017, pp.102-109.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Peer support (PS) has, over recent years, been implemented across a variety of NHS adult mental health settings. In November 2015, peer support workers (PSW) were introduced to an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIS) in the Midlands. The purpose of this paper is to focus on organisational factors, asking how do PS impact on an early intervention in psychosis multi-disciplinary team (MDT). Design/methodology/approach: Six EIS MDT members participated in an hour-long focus group. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, in line with a qualitative methodology (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Findings: Two themes were generated, including “The values of PS” (consisting of three sub-themes: improving service engagement; personal qualities; and the peer relationship); and “The peer support role” (consisting of three sub-themes: living experience; boundaries; and alternative perspectives). Findings imply that PS in the current EIS related to: improved service engagement and greater understanding between service providers and users; which could be linked to better outcomes for service users (such as reduced duration of untreated psychosis (DUP)). Originality/value: It has been suggested that PSWs facilitate an improved understanding between service providers and service users (Repper and Watson, 2012). However, research into organisational and team benefits of PS is lacking, with a need for more exploration (Repper, 2013). The current study begins to address the lack of literature regarding the organisational impact of PS, and even further regarding early intervention. (Publisher abstract)
Mind your language!
- Author:
- GILFOYLE Sharon Ann
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 21(1), 2017, pp.47-52.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Design/methodology/approach: This paper explores the use of recovery and mental health language and the application in modern day mental health services. Findings: The language that is used to describe mental health is often based on a traditional medical model primarily focussing on diagnosis, symptoms and problems. This is a stark difference to the modern day use of recovery orientated language. Practical implications: The paper can be used as a discussion topic in teams to explore themes around recovery language. (Edited publisher abstract)
Guidance for mental health services in exercising duties to safeguard people from the risk of radicalisation
- Author:
- NHS ENGLAND
- Publisher:
- NHS England
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 29
- Place of publication:
- Redditch
This guidance is designed to support providers and staff working in NHS mental health services to exercise their statutory and professional duties to safeguard vulnerable adults, children and young people at risk of radicalisation. It sets out expectations and considerations that providers and professionals should take into account. It is structured into four key components: Prevent responsibilities of mental health providers – outlining the safeguarding pathways that should be in place, the roles and responsibilities of key staff and training requirements; Prevent referrals from mental health providers – outlining the processes for referring to Prevent and working in partnership with police; Role of mental health providers in the Prevent process – outlining information sharing and considerations relating to detention under the Mental Health Act; and Referrals into mental health services from Prevent – ensuring timely access to services to those at risk of radicalisation with mental health needs and considerations for the prioritisation of cases. It includes examples based on real cases and flowchart diagrams to illustrate Prevent in a mental health context. (Edited publisher abstract)
Impacts of attending recovery colleges on NHS staff
- Authors:
- PERKINS Amorette Mae, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 21(1), 2017, pp.18-24.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper explores the impact of attending a Recovery College (RC) on NHS staff attitudes towards mental health and recovery, clinical and peer interactions, and personal wellbeing. Design/methodology/approach: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via online surveys from 94 participants. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used. Findings: Themes were identified for change in attitudes towards mental health and recovery: new meanings of recovery; challenging traditional views on recovery; hope for recovery; and increased parity. The majority felt that the RC positively influenced the way they supported others. Themes relating to this were: using or sharing taught skills; increased understanding and empathy; challenging non-recovery practices; and adopting recovery practices. Responses highlighted themes surrounding impacts on personal wellbeing: connectedness; safe place; self-care; and sense of competency and morale at work. Another category labelled “Design of RC” emerged with the themes co-learning, co-production and co-facilitation, and content. Research limitations/implications: It is important to understand whether RCs are a useful resource for staff. This research suggests that RCs could help to reconcile Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change’s 10 Key Challenges and reduce staff burnout, which has implications for service provision. (Edited publisher abstract)
Person-centred phenomenology: service user experiences of exercise
- Authors:
- PICKARD Luke, RODRIGUEZ Alison, LEWIS Kiara
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 22(2), 2017, pp.119-126.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experience of sport and exercise amongst a group of mental health service users. Participants were recruited from a north of England NHS mental health trust that was piloting a sport and exercise intervention for adults with mental health needs. Design/methodology/approach: In depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with five mental health service users. The chosen phenomenological methodology was collaborative and interpretive. Findings: Two essential themes were highlighted: “Intermittent health breaking through heavy clouds of illness” and “The cycle of recovery”. In addition, this person-centred research identified a number of intervention benefits beyond those relating to the impact of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. The main findings are expressed using visual imagery which participants found expressed their perceptions and experiences better than written prose. This includes the way day-to-day illness impacts on the journey of health for people with mental health problems. Research limitations/implications: The intervention looked to help the transition between leaving mental health services and developing a regular routine to promote recovery. The study illuminates the voices of service users and identifies that sport and exercise for mental health service users can be beneficial for recovery and feelings of belonging which can strengthen perceptions of the self. Originality/value: Few studies have approached this methodological approach. This study demonstrates the value of phenomenological research with a collaborative, person-centred or indeed an involved patient focus. This collaborative approach enabled a shared understanding of the phenomena. (Publisher abstract)