Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.198-202.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: This paper provides the personal accounts of the journey back to work from the perspective of both the person entering employment and the Employment Specialist who assisted them.
Design/methodology/approach: Two people with mental health problems who received help into employment from an employment service in a London Mental Health Trust were asked to give write their accounts of their journey. The Employment Specialists who assisted them in this journey were also asked to write their accounts.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: This paper provides the personal accounts of the journey back to work from the perspective of both the person entering employment and the Employment Specialist who assisted them.
Design/methodology/approach: Two people with mental health problems who received help into employment from an employment service in a London Mental Health Trust were asked to give write their accounts of their journey. The Employment Specialists who assisted them in this journey were also asked to write their accounts.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
supported employment, recovery, mental health problems, employment;
Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.185-187.
Publisher:
Emerald
Using a narrative account from the lived experience of the author, this paper illustrates that recovery does not only apply to people who use services, it is just as relevant to the staff who work in those services. The author's account moves from a dissatisfied, passive approach at work towards a rewarding, hopeful position. The paper demonstrates the relevance of hope, control and opportunity
(Edited publisher abstract)
Using a narrative account from the lived experience of the author, this paper illustrates that recovery does not only apply to people who use services, it is just as relevant to the staff who work in those services. The author's account moves from a dissatisfied, passive approach at work towards a rewarding, hopeful position. The paper demonstrates the relevance of hope, control and opportunity in recovering job satisfaction.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
job satisfaction, mental health professionals, recovery;
Journal of Religion and Spirituality in Social Work, 33(3-4), 2014, pp.274-299.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
... at community mental health centres and consumer-run organisations in a Midwestern state. The study identified four patterns in the way people with severe mental illnesses utilised spirituality as part of their lives and recovery through time, which were named “basic impact” on recovery; “symptoms as a barrier” to using spirituality in recovery; learning to use spirituality for recovery “in progress”; and “high synergy” between spirituality and recovery. Implications for social workers and related mental health practitioners are discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This article gives insights about the various ways that people with severe mental illnesses experience spiritual benefits and struggles in the context of their life journeys, and how these are navigated through time as part of a spiritual development process. Multiple in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 individuals with a range of diagnoses and spiritual affiliations receiving services at community mental health centres and consumer-run organisations in a Midwestern state. The study identified four patterns in the way people with severe mental illnesses utilised spirituality as part of their lives and recovery through time, which were named “basic impact” on recovery; “symptoms as a barrier” to using spirituality in recovery; learning to use spirituality for recovery “in progress”; and “high synergy” between spirituality and recovery. Implications for social workers and related mental health practitioners are discussed.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
spirituality, recovery, severe mental health problems, life events, community mental health services;
STARNINO Vincent R., GOMI Sachiko, CANDA Edward R.
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Social Work, 44(4), 2014, pp.849-867.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Proponents of recovery and strengths-based approaches recognise spirituality as an important factor in mental health recovery. Minimal guidance is available, however, for how to assess spirituality with people diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. To address this gap, six focus group interviews were conducted with a total of forty-eight community mental health service providers and users who
(Publisher abstract)
Proponents of recovery and strengths-based approaches recognise spirituality as an important factor in mental health recovery. Minimal guidance is available, however, for how to assess spirituality with people diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. To address this gap, six focus group interviews were conducted with a total of forty-eight community mental health service providers and users who have been involved in spiritual strengths assessment. An additional panel of ten international leaders in the strengths case management approach gave feedback on focus group insights in order to expand recommendations congruent with the strengths model. Findings revealed that, while spirituality can be a recovery-related resource for people with severe mental illnesses, some service providers and users experience challenges related to spiritual strengths assessment such as a sense of discomfort about the topic, and uncertainty related to defining spirituality and setting relevant case management goals. This article addresses these and other challenges by offering guidelines for spiritual assessment within the context of the strengths model.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
strengths-based approach, assessment, severe mental health problems, community mental health services, recovery, spirituality;
Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.203-214.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: This paper is to derive from an on-going, innovative, project to explore the concept, and application, of 'recovery' in the care and clinical management of patients detained in one UK high-security hospital.
Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a qualitative, action research, methodology the aim was to involve forensic mental health nurses in a collaborative, client-centred approach to identification and resolution of dilemmas in the process of planning care for offender-patients.
Findings: The authors identify constraints and contradictions involved in employing recovery principles in institutions critics refer to as part of the disciplinary apparatus of psychiatric and social control; where the taken for granted lives, and relations, of an incarcerated population are measured by the calendar, not the clock.
Research limitations/implications: Protective practices remain highly relevant in high-secure practice. Safety, an important value for all can by and large be achieved through recovery approaches. The humanistic elements of recovery can offer up safe and useful methods of deploying the mental health nurse on the ward. Many nurses have the prerequisite approach but there remains
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: This paper is to derive from an on-going, innovative, project to explore the concept, and application, of 'recovery' in the care and clinical management of patients detained in one UK high-security hospital.
Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a qualitative, action research, methodology the aim was to involve forensic mental health nurses in a collaborative, client-centred approach to identification and resolution of dilemmas in the process of planning care for offender-patients.
Findings: The authors identify constraints and contradictions involved in employing recovery principles in institutions critics refer to as part of the disciplinary apparatus of psychiatric and social control; where the taken for granted lives, and relations, of an incarcerated population are measured by the calendar, not the clock.
Research limitations/implications: Protective practices remain highly relevant in high-secure practice. Safety, an important value for all can by and large be achieved through recovery approaches. The humanistic elements of recovery can offer up safe and useful methods of deploying the mental health nurse on the ward. Many nurses have the prerequisite approach but there remains a wide scope to enhance those skills. Many see the approach as axiomatic though nurse education often prepares nurses with a biomedical view of the ward.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.188-197.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: This paper describes the conceptual basis and development of Prosper, an emerging and evolving self-directed network and movement for people with lived experience of mental health problems in South West London.
Design/methodology/approach: The conceptual principles from which Prosper emerged (co-production, recovery and social movement approaches) are outlined. The ways in which with user-led organisations and a Recovery College, peer support networks, supporting the development of personal health budgets and local commissioning, and consultancy). This network has initially been funded by South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust with a view to it becoming an independent entity.
Originality/value: The innovative and evolving social network and movement for people
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: This paper describes the conceptual basis and development of Prosper, an emerging and evolving self-directed network and movement for people with lived experience of mental health problems in South West London.
Design/methodology/approach: The conceptual principles from which Prosper emerged (co-production, recovery and social movement approaches) are outlined. The ways in which these ideas were translated into action, the guiding principles and operation of Prosper are then described.
Findings: The self-directed network comprises around 150 'members' and a wider network of 20 service user groups across South West London. As well as open forums, collective actions fall under the themes of 'create' (peer support, outreach, campaigns, training) and 'collaborate' (partnership working with user-led organisations and a Recovery College, peer support networks, supporting the development of personal health budgets and local commissioning, and consultancy). This network has initially been funded by South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust with a view to it becoming an independent entity.
Originality/value: The innovative and evolving social network and movement for people with lived experience of mental health problems that is continuously influenced and changed by the skills, ideas and energy of its growing and developing membership could act as a useful model for others to follow.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
recovery, co-production, mental health problems, groups, service users, user-led organisations;
Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 7(4), 2014, pp.194-204.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: An increasing literature points to the efficacy and importance of mutual aid groups for people recovering from substance dependency. However, there is a paucity of qualitative evidence into the experiences and perceptions of service users attending UK-based mutual aid groups, and the implications they could have for recovery and mental wellbeing. The paper aims to discuss this issue. wellbeing. It was found that attendance seemed to have positive influences on providing structure, reducing stress and boredom, “broadening the mind” and providing service users with a social network that supported their recovery and mental wellbeing. However, it was also found that for those that have little outside the project, dependency on the group could develop, resulting in negative consequences on mental wellbeing.
Originality/value: This paper provides an increased understanding of why mutual attendance has influences on mental wellbeing, as well as the implications such impacts have on recovery trajectories.
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: An increasing literature points to the efficacy and importance of mutual aid groups for people recovering from substance dependency. However, there is a paucity of qualitative evidence into the experiences and perceptions of service users attending UK-based mutual aid groups, and the implications they could have for recovery and mental wellbeing. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach: A phenomenological approach was chosen to explore the experiences and perceptions of service users and mentors at a mutual aid group in Leeds. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with service users and mentors (ex-service users) involved with the project. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Findings: This paper focuses on the influence of mutual aid attendance on mental wellbeing. It was found that attendance seemed to have positive influences on providing structure, reducing stress and boredom, “broadening the mind” and providing service users with a social network that supported their recovery and mental wellbeing. However, it was also found that for those that have little outside the project, dependency on the group could develop, resulting in negative consequences on mental wellbeing.
Originality/value: This paper provides an increased understanding of why mutual attendance has influences on mental wellbeing, as well as the implications such impacts have on recovery trajectories.
(Publisher abstract)
Sets out the outcomes and corresponding indicators that will be used to hold NHS England to account for improvements in health outcomes. The indicators are grouped into five domains, which set out the high-level national outcomes and focus on improving health and reducing health inequalities. They are: preventing people from dying prematurely; enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions; helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury; ensuring that people have a positive experience of care; and treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Sets out the outcomes and corresponding indicators that will be used to hold NHS England to account for improvements in health outcomes. The indicators are grouped into five domains, which set out the high-level national outcomes and focus on improving health and reducing health inequalities. They are: preventing people from dying prematurely; enhancing quality of life for people with long-term conditions; helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury; ensuring that people have a positive experience of care; and treating and caring for people in a safe environment and protecting them from avoidable harm.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
health care, NHS, outcomes, performance indicators, prevention, quality of life, long term conditions, recovery, safety, user views;
Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(4), 2014, pp.169-175.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: The randomised controlled trial, though highly valued, has been criticised as not helping to understand how results occur. This paper summarises and comments on two 2014 research papers concerning new therapeutic approaches for people diagnosed with psychotic disorders that address this challenge of randomised trials.
Design/methodology/approach: The first paper is about what staff thought when adopting a new recovery-focused approach in two mental health services as part of a randomised trial. The second is the plan for a small pilot trial of a new treatment for psychosis called positive psychotherapy. It describes how the researchers planned to study the detail of what happens in their small trial, to help them improve the design of a future, larger trial.
Findings: The first paper recommends avoiding services undergoing too many changes and ensuring managers will visibly support the project. When training staff in a new approach, trainers should recognise staff's existing knowledge and skills and use practical methods like role-play. In the second paper, the plan for the small positive psychotherapy trial seems detailed enough to explain what really happens, except in one area: looking at how clinicians actually select service users for the trial.
Originality/value: These papers concern pioneering therapeutic approaches in psychosis. With randomised trials highly influential, both these papers recognise their potential problems, and seem to represent good attempts to understand what really happens.
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: The randomised controlled trial, though highly valued, has been criticised as not helping to understand how results occur. This paper summarises and comments on two 2014 research papers concerning new therapeutic approaches for people diagnosed with psychotic disorders that address this challenge of randomised trials.
Design/methodology/approach: The first paper is about what staff thought when adopting a new recovery-focused approach in two mental health services as part of a randomised trial. The second is the plan for a small pilot trial of a new treatment for psychosis called positive psychotherapy. It describes how the researchers planned to study the detail of what happens in their small trial, to help them improve the design of a future, larger trial.
Findings: The first paper recommends avoiding services undergoing too many changes and ensuring managers will visibly support the project. When training staff in a new approach, trainers should recognise staff's existing knowledge and skills and use practical methods like role-play. In the second paper, the plan for the small positive psychotherapy trial seems detailed enough to explain what really happens, except in one area: looking at how clinicians actually select service users for the trial.
Originality/value: These papers concern pioneering therapeutic approaches in psychosis. With randomised trials highly influential, both these papers recognise their potential problems, and seem to represent good attempts to understand what really happens.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
randomised controlled trials, severe mental health problems, psychoses, recovery approach, recovery, psychotherapy, therapy and treatment, staff;
Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 11(5), 2014, pp.468-479.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Within the ranks of the homeless are individuals coping with substance addiction and/or chronic physical or mental disability. Their special needs often pose significant barriers to successfully re-integrate into society. For these individuals, simply securing a roof overhead may not be an adequate solution. Supportive housing combines housing with access to on-site social services to assist persons coping with disabling physical and behavioral health conditions. This study examined whether an association could be found between length of residency in supportive housing and subjective well-being. For the purposes of this study, subjective well-being was measured by length of sobriety, self-efficacy, and employment.
(Publisher abstract)
Within the ranks of the homeless are individuals coping with substance addiction and/or chronic physical or mental disability. Their special needs often pose significant barriers to successfully re-integrate into society. For these individuals, simply securing a roof overhead may not be an adequate solution. Supportive housing combines housing with access to on-site social services to assist persons coping with disabling physical and behavioral health conditions. This study examined whether an association could be found between length of residency in supportive housing and subjective well-being. For the purposes of this study, subjective well-being was measured by length of sobriety, self-efficacy, and employment.
(Publisher abstract)