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Librarian or counsellor?: a pilot study of the experiences of library staff in one healthy reading scheme in Ireland
- Author:
- NEVILLE Patricia
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 23(1), 2014, pp.15-19.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
Background: Book prescription schemes and healthy reading schemes place self-help books in public libraries to assist in the treatment of mild to moderate mental illness. Research has highlighted that library staff play an active role in the success of this initiative. Aims: To conduct a pilot study of the professional experiences of the library staff of Clare County Healthy Reading scheme as they deal with the therapeutic demands of the reading public. Method: A preliminary questionnaire was developed and distributed among the staff members. In total, 12 completed questionnaires were returned and analysed. Result: Despite their lack of training and support from statutory mental health services, library staff affirmed their belief in the benefits of healthy reading schemes. Library staff also maintained a clear understanding of their role as gatekeepers but not as therapeutic advisors to the reading public. Conclusion: Despite the serious restrictions to mental health services in Clare, library staff did not believe that their role was to ‘fill in the gap’ in terms of providing mental health assistance to the reading public. (Publisher abstract)
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards: complexity, confusion and case law : a commentary
- Author:
- LENNARD Chris
- Journal article citation:
- Social Care and Neurodisability, 5(4), 2014, pp.245-255.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: As a healthcare professional caring for people who lack capacity, the author has noted a wide variation in knowledge and awareness by staff of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). The purpose of this paper is to examine the DoLS and the background to their coming into being, describes their operation and qualifying requirements, and the continuing problems with their application nationwide. Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a literature search of government papers, official reports of statutory bodies, and critical studies, it examines the central criticisms of DoLS, particularly the lack of a clear statutory definition of deprivation of liberty, and reports on the wide variation in knowledge of the legislation by staff in health and social care, and uneven application of the safeguards nationwide. Findings: It cites evidence from studies showing that even professionals with high levels of expertise in the field find the legislation confusing, and presents testimony from legal experts that case law has failed to clarify the issues for professionals. Originality/value: Finally, it argues that the legislation is now too complex to successfully amend, and tentatively suggests that, pending a government review to make the process more understandable, health care professionals make ‘precautionary’ applications for DoLS. The author argues that, notwithstanding its faults, the process is a worthwhile exercise in care planning and ensuring that people's care is in their best interests and the least restrictive available. (Publisher abstract)
Avoiding delays in diagnosis: the importance of proactive liaison and education of staff in the general hospital
- Authors:
- WALDER Anna, GREEN Robert, SONI Sujata
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(6), 2014, pp.399-402.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the difficulties patients with intellectual disabilities face when they present to a general hospital with ambiguous symptoms and highlights the importance of adequate training for general staff in caring for people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The authors describe the pathway of a person with a learning disability and mental health problems from A&E, through a general hospital, to discharge and the problems encountered in terms of diagnostic clarity and subsequent treatment. Findings: Delay in recognising a psychiatric cause for his symptoms and wrongly attributing his symptoms to his learning disability may have led to a protracted admission and invasive tests. Originality/value: Education of healthcare professionals and proactive liaison work can help improve outcomes for people with intellectual disabilities when they are admitted to generic services. (Publisher abstract)
“Walking wounded or wounded healer?” does personal experience of mental health problems help or hinder mental health practice? a review of the literature
- Authors:
- CONCHAR Catherine, REPPER Julie
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(1), 2014, pp.35-44.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: A systematic review of the literature on “wounded healers” was undertaken to identify, define and interpret the term and its application within the mental health environment. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach:Eight key medical/social sciences databases were interrogated. In total, 835 papers were identified in the systematic database search and abstracts were obtained for each to determine whether they met the inclusion criteria. In total, 237 sources were retrieved for critical reading, to assess relevance and value to the review, and 125 documents were subsequently included. Through thematic analysis a number of themes and sub themes were identified. Findings: The archetypal image of the wounded healer originates in ancient mythology and crosses many cultures. There are many interpretations and applications of the belief that having healed their own wounds a person is in a better position to heal others, however, the evidence to support this is not so robust. Of more direct relevance to contemporary practice are reports of supporting staff with mental health problems to make a contribution to mental health services, most recently through the employment of peer support workers. Originality/value: As peer support workers are increasingly being employed in mental health services, it is helpful to consider the many existing staff who bring personal experience of mental health problems. This paper explores the evidence that their lived experience makes a difference to the way that they work and considers their employment support needs. (Publisher abstract)
Promoting work-related activities in a high secure setting: exploration of staff and patients’ views
- Authors:
- VOLLM Birgit, PANESAR Kiran, CARLEY Kay
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology (The), 25(1), 2014, pp.26-43.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Introduction: Adults diagnosed with mental disorders, in particular those who have a history of offending, have low employment rates. Here we explore staff and patients’ views on the importance of work and vocational activities offered at a high secure hospital. Method: Two hundred seventy-six patients and 106 staff were approached; 54.3% of the patients and 58% of staff completed the questionnaire. Results: Educational achievement in patients was low but nearly two-thirds of patients had been engaged in some form of work prior to admission. Staff and patients felt that vocational opportunities offered in the hospital should more closely resemble ‘real work’ and they broadly agreed on the areas of activities of potential benefit. Staff felt more strongly than patients that patients lose work-related skills during admission. Both groups recognised the importance of work for mental health and in preventing reoffending. Conclusion: Detention in such settings provides an opportunity for patients to maintain as well as expand on skills aiding their future reintegration into work settings. (Publisher abstract)
Voices from the frontline: listening to people with multiple support needs and the people that support them
- Author:
- MAKING EVERY ADULT MATTER
- Publisher:
- Making Every Adult Matter
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
To explore the experiences of people with complex needs and the staff who are working with them, this report draws on in-depth conversations with over 50 people: some engaged with services, and others working in frontline roles. Participants were from a variety of organisations and services including homelessness, mental health, substance misuse and offending services. The report is in three sections which focus on: why services fail people with multiple needs; the challenges facing services in helping people with multiple needs; and how people with multiple needs face additional setbacks due to the way elements of the system interact in unexpected ways. Each section includes extracts from the participants about their experiences, what has changed and how it has affected then. The report found that people with multiple needs often fail to get the coordinated support they need. It calls for politicians and civil servants to involve those with complex problems in shaping future policy to avoid negative consequences. The full results and methodology of the research are available in an accompanying report 'Evidence from the frontline'. (Edited publisher abstract)
Social services statistics Wales 2012-13
- Author:
- WALES. Welsh Government
- Publisher:
- Welsh Government
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 73
- Place of publication:
- Cardiff
An annual report collating the social services statistical returns from local authorities in Wales. The report includes information on children, adults receiving services, people with physical, sensory of a learning disability, mental health services and staff directly employed by local authority social services departments. (Edited publisher abstract)
Review of community pharmacy staff educational needs for supporting mental health consumers and carers
- Authors:
- MEY Amary, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 50(1), 2014, pp.59-67.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Development of a mental health education package for community pharmacy staff should be informed by mental health consumers/carers’ needs, expectations and experiences, and staff knowledge, skills and attitudes. This review (1) explored research on community pharmacy practice and service provision for mental health consumers/carers, and (2) identified validated methods for assessing staff knowledge, skills and attitudes about mental illness to inform the development of a training questionnaire. A literature scan using key words knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs combined with community pharmacy, pharmacist, and pharmacy support staff, and mental illness, depression, anxiety was conducted. A small number of studies were found that used reliable methods to assess pharmacists’ training needs regarding mental illness and treatment options. There was little published specifically in relation to depression and anxiety in community pharmacy practice. No studies assessed the training needs of pharmacy support staff. A systematic analysis of pharmacy staff learning needs is warranted. (Publisher abstract)