Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Neuroscience and music meet in an innovative new approach to mental health: “change of mind”
- Author:
- McGANNAN Ben
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 16(2), 2017, pp.86-87.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article Change of Mind”, which is a a new initiative that taps the power of music to elicit empathy and thereby encourage a more supportive workplace environment for sufferers from mental health problems. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health first aid for the elderly: a pilot study of a training program adapted for helping elderly people
- Authors:
- SVENSSON Bengt, HANSSON Lars
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 21(6), 2017, pp.595-601.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence of mental illness among the elderly. Clinical data however indicate both insufficient detection and treatment of illnesses. Suggested barriers to treatment include conceptions that mental health symptoms belong to normal ageing and lack of competence among staff in elderly care in detecting mental illness. A Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training programme for the elderly was developed and provided to staff in elderly care. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in knowledge in mental illness, confidence in helping a person, readiness to give help and attitudes towards persons with mental illness. Method: Single group pre-test–post-test design. Results: The study group included staff in elderly care from different places in Sweden (n = 139). Significant improvements in knowledge, confidence in helping an elderly person with mental illness and attitudes towards persons with mental illness are shown. Skills acquired during the course have been practiced during the follow-up. Conclusions: The adaption of MHFA training for staff working in elderly care gives promising results. Improvements in self-reported confidence in giving help, attitudes towards persons with mental illness and actual help given to persons with mental illness are shown. However, the study design allows no firm conclusions and a randomised controlled trail is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the programme. Outcomes should include if the detection and treatment of mental illness among the elderly actually improved. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mental health staff views on improving burnout and mental toughness
- Authors:
- POSNER Zoe, JANSSEN Jessie, RODDAM Hazel
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 12(4), 2017, pp.249-259.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Burnout in mental health staff is acknowledged as a major problem. The purpose of this paper is to gain an understanding of mental health staff views on improving burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff. Design/methodology/approach: Ten participants from two mental health rehabilitation units across the north-west of England took part in a Nominal Group Technique. Participants consisted of mental health workers from varied roles in order to capture views from a multidisciplinary team. The main question posed to the staff was “What strategies and techniques do you think could help improve burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff”. Findings: The study revealed that the top three ideas to take forward to help improve burnout and mental toughness in mental health staff were improving the culture/organisation, improving staff wellbeing and education. Additionally, staff were highly motivated and enthusiastic about engaging in discussion about what could be done to improve their wellbeing and the importance of taking this forward. Originality/value: This study is unique in involving mental health staff in discussing their ways of improving their mental health. It is also unique as it has found the nine strategies to do this and these could be used in targeted training for mental health staff (Publisher abstract)
Psychologically informed environments for homeless people: resident and staff experiences
- Authors:
- PHIPPS Catriona, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Housing Care and Support, 20(1), 2017, pp.29-42.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Many homeless people have significant levels of early adverse experiences and consequent mental health difficulties. This study examines the experiences of residents and staff living and working in a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE), a new model of hostel for homeless people which aims to update and make more flexible the principles of the therapeutic community, thereby meeting the psychological and emotional needs of residents. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with nine residents, ten staff and five psychotherapists at two PIE hostels in London. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with a phenomenological epistemological approach. Findings: Analysis generated 18 themes for residents and staff combined, organised into five domains: what makes a home, resident needs, managing relationships, reflective practice and theory vs practice of PIEs. The study suggests that PIEs broadly meet their aim in providing a different type of environment from standard hostels. Efforts to build relationships with residents are particularly prioritised. This work can be challenging for staff and reflective practice groups provide a supportive forum. There are limits to the extent to which the theoretical PIE can be put into practice in the current political and economic climate. Originality/value: Originality/Value: This is one of the first qualitative studies of PIEs. It provides perspectives on their theoretical background as well as how they operate and are experienced in practice. It may be informative to services intending to establish a PIE and to commissioners in assessing appropriate resources. (Publisher abstract)
Preventing prison suicides: staff perspectives
- Authors:
- STUBBS Jessica, DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- London
The fourth in a series of briefings into mental health in prisons, this briefing focuses on staff views on what contributes to vulnerability and suicide risk in prisoners. It also makes recommendations based on staff members’ views and their examples of promising practice. The briefing draws on findings from interviews and focus groups held with health care staff, safer custody officers and independent clinical reviewers working in prisons and for health care providers. The figures show that suicide in prison, incidents of self-harm and violent incidents have all risen dramatically over the past three years. Staff identified staffing shortages, inexperienced staff, a prison culture which views prisoner’s distress, self-harming or suicide attempts as ‘manipulative’ rather than ‘vulnerable’, and the increasing complex needs of the prison population as contributing to increased risk of suicide. Staff also highlighted arrival in prison as a time of increased suicide risk and the importance of completing assessments for new arrivals. Recommendations include: the adoption of a ‘stepped care’ approach’ where in which the whole system is responsible for a prisoner’s wellbeing and mental health support is available at every level of need; providing training and support for staff; and the need for robust assessments when a person arrives in prison. (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)
HeadStart year 1: national qualitative evaluation findings
- Author:
- STAPLEY Emily
- Publisher:
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 19
- Place of publication:
- London
A summary of learning from the first year of HeadStart, a Big Lottery Funded programme which aims to support children and young people in improving mental wellbeing, reducing the onset of mental health problems, improving engagement in education and reducing engagement in risky behaviour. The document draws on interviews conducted with a sample of staff from each of the six local authority partnership sites across England. The interviews explored challenges encountered in delivering the programme and potential solutions. Challenges identified included working with schools, capacity, avoiding duplication of existing services, working with external providers, identifying children in need of support, measuring impact, and intervention or programme engagement. (Edited publisher abstract)
An evaluation of the Refuge Access for All project
- Authors:
- AVA, WOMEN'S AID
- Publishers:
- AVA, Solace Women's Aid
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 59
- Place of publication:
- London
An evaluation of Solace Women’s Aid’s Refuge ‘Access for All Project’ in five London Boroughs, using qualitative and quantitative data from service users, managers and staff. The project aimed to improve access to, and the outcomes for, women and children in refuges with mental health and/or substance use issues who have experienced domestic abuse. A key aspect was the creation of a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) across Solace refuges, which included improving mental health training for staff and the provision of play therapy for children. The evaluation found that the project led to an increase in the understanding and confidence of staff in dealing with mental ill health and substance use issues and an increase in staff expectations of the support they could expect to receive from Solace for themselves. It also resulted in a reduction in the number and proportion of service users turned away because their mental health needs could not be met and received positive feedback from residents. The report provides lessons for Solace Women’s Aid, commissioners, policy makers and other providers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Introduction to the research on: the experiences of the Mental Health Act and the role of professionals involved
- Authors:
- HARFLETT Naomi, JENNINGS Yasmin, LINSKY Kate
- Publisher:
- National Development Team for Inclusion
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- Bristol
This short scoping review identifies research on individuals’ experiences of detention under the Mental Health Act and the role of professionals involved. The document is intended for practitioners who work with people with mental health problems to help inform their work. Searches were carried out on organisational websites and a range of databases, including Social Care Online, for UK based research published from 2000. The review provides an overview of the quantity and quality of the research and a table summarising the 16 studies reviewed and their key findings. It also provides a summary of areas identified for future research. The review found a limited amount of research specifically focusing on individual’s experiences of the Mental Health Act. Individuals’ positive experiences of detention under the Mental Act highlight the importance of warmth, empathy and respect of individual members of staff. Negative experiences include poor communication, lack of information about treatment plans and lack of involvement in decision-making, use of excessive force, and finding the experience disempowering and frightening. (Edited publisher abstract)
Role of school employees' mental health knowledge in interdisciplinary collaborations to support the academic success of students experiencing mental health distress
- Authors:
- FRAUENHOLTZ Susan, MENDENHALL Amy N., MOON Jungrim
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Schools, 39(2), 2017, pp.71-79.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Children with mental health disorders are at elevated risk of deleterious academic outcomes. The school, acting as a bridge between home and community, is a key site for identification and intervention with children experiencing mental health distress. Yet survey research has indicated that many teachers and other school staff have limited knowledge of children's mental health and are unprepared to support students in distress. Grounded in collaboration theory, the current study extends previous research by conducting focus groups with both school staff and community mental health center professionals to deepen understanding of how school employees’ knowledge of children's mental health influences their ability to recognize and collaboratively support students in distress. Results revealed that many school staff experience challenges in supporting students because of their limited mental health knowledge, particularly in the areas of symptom identification, psychotropic medication, and community mental health services. The identified lack of children's mental health knowledge also contributes to the existence of mental health stigma. In addition, group participants identified training about children's mental health and support from upper-level administration as key needs to increase knowledge and better support students’ emotional and educational well-being. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications and recommendations for school social workers. (Publisher abstract)