The impact of moving to a 12h shift pattern on employee wellbeing: A qualitative study in an acute mental health setting

Abstract Background Integrated primary care teams are ideally positioned to support the mental health care needs arising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how COVID-19 has affected mental health care delivery within primary care settings will be critical to inform future policy and practice decisions during the later phases of the pandemic and beyond. The objective of our study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on primary care teams’ delivery of mental health care. Methods A qualitative study using focus groups conducted with primary care teams in Ontario, Canada. Focus group data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results We conducted 11 focus groups with 10 primary care teams and a total of 48 participants. With respect to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health care in primary care teams, we identified three key themes: i) the high demand for mental health care, ii) the rapid transformation to virtual care, and iii) the impact on providers. Conclusions From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care quickly responded to the rising mental health care demands of their patients. Despite the numerous challenges they faced with the rapid transition to virtual care, primary care teams have persevered. It is essential that policy and decision-makers take note of the toll that these demands have placed on providers. There is an immediate need to enhance primary care’s capacity for mental health care for the duration of the pandemic and beyond.

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Users’ perceptions about receiving personalized depression risk information: findings from a qualitative study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03590-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Heidi Eccles ◽

Doaa Nadouri ◽

Molly Nannarone ◽

Bonnie Lashewicz ◽

Norbert Schmitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Risk Communication ◽

Risk Score ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Risk Information ◽

Depression Risk ◽

Communication Program ◽

The Impact

Abstract Objectives To understand users’ perceptions about receiving their personalized depression risk score and to gain an understanding about how to improve the efficiency of risk communication from the user perspective. Methods A qualitative study embedded in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on evaluating the impact of providing personalized depression risk information on psychological harms and benefits. The participants (20 males and 20 females) were randomly selected from the intervention arm of the RCT after the 12-month assessment. The qualitative interviews were conducted through telephone, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. We conducted a content analysis to describe the content and contextual meaning of data collected from participants. Results The first theme explained the motivation for receiving a risk score. Most participants chose to receive their personalised depression risk score with the goal of improving their self-awareness. The results revealed three sub-themes surrounding perceptions and implication of receiving their risk score: positive, negative, and neutral. Most participants found that receiving their score was positive because it improved their awareness of their mental health, but some participants could see that some people would have negative feelings when getting the score causing them to be more likely to get depression. The final theme focussed on improvements including: the best delivery methods, having resources and strategies, and targeting younger people. Conclusion The most significant motivation for, and benefit of receiving one’s personalized depression risk score was improved awareness of one’s mental health. A comprehensive risk communication program may improve the uptake and maximize the impact on behavior changes and risk reduction.

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Life on an Emotional Roller Coaster: NFL Players and Their Family Members’ Perspectives on Player Mental Health

Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology ◽

10.1123/jcsp.2017-0051 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 404-431 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sarah A. McGraw ◽

Christopher R. Deubert ◽

Holly Fernandez Lynch ◽

Alixandra Nozzolillo ◽

Lauren Taylor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Job Performance ◽

Emotional Health ◽

Family Members ◽

Job Security ◽

Career Concerns ◽

Positive Outcomes ◽

Roller Coaster ◽

The Impact

This qualitative study examined how NFL players and their family members characterized the impact of an NFL career on the mental and emotional health of NFL players. We interviewed 25 NFL players (23 former and 2 current) and 27 family members (24 wives and 3 others) to elicit players’ experiences during and following their time in the NFL. While players experienced positive outcomes from their careers, they also described important mental health challenges including feelings of depression, loneliness, and stress. Many of their concerns during their careers were linked to anxiety about job performance and job security. Post-career concerns were linked to loss of social identity and connections. Players had difficulty finding help for their concerns. We conclude with eight recommendations, including improved resources, confidentiality, and support.

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Impact of Universal Credit in North East England: a qualitative study of claimants and support staff

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029611 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e029611 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mandy Cheetham ◽

Suzanne Moffatt ◽

Michelle Addison ◽

Alice Wiseman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Welfare Benefits ◽

North East ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Sector ◽

Roll Out

ObjectivesTo understand the impact of the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC) from the perspectives of claimants and staff supporting them in North East England.DesignQualitative study comprising interviews and focus groups.SettingGateshead and Newcastle, two localities in North East England characterised by high levels of socioeconomic deprivation, where the roll-out of UC started in 2017 as a new way to deliver welfare benefits for the UK working age population.Participants33 UC claimants with complex needs, disabilities and health conditions and 37 staff from local government, housing, voluntary and community sector organisations.ResultsParticipants’ accounts of the UC claims process and the consequences of managing on UC are reported; UC negatively impacts on material wellbeing, physical and mental health, social and family lives. UC claimants described the digital claims process as complicated, disorientating, impersonal, hostile and demeaning. Claimants reported being pushed into debt, rent arrears, housing insecurity, fuel and food poverty through UC. System failures, indifference and delays in receipt of UC entitlements exacerbated the difficulties of managing on a low income. The threat of punitive sanctions for failing to meet the enhanced conditionality requirements under UC added to claimant’s vulnerabilities and distress. Staff reported concerns for claimants and additional pressures on health services, local government and voluntary and community sector organisations as a result of UC.ConclusionsThe findings add considerable detail to emerging evidence of the deleterious effects of UC on vulnerable claimants’ health and wellbeing. Our evidence suggests that UC is undermining vulnerable claimants’ mental health, increasing the risk of poverty, hardship, destitution and suicidality. Major, evidence-informed revisions are required to improve the design and implementation of UC to prevent further adverse effects before large numbers of people move on to UC, as planned by the UK government.

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Quantifying the Impact of Phenoconversion on Medications With Actionable Pharmacogenomic Guideline Recommendations in an Acute Aged Persons Mental Health Setting

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.724170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Sam Mostafa ◽

Thomas M. Polasek ◽

Leslie J. Sheffield ◽

David Huppert ◽

Carl M. J. Kirkpatrick

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Genetic Variants ◽

Cytochrome P450 Enzyme ◽

Mental Health Setting ◽

Care Model ◽

Collaborative Care Model ◽

Mental Health Patients ◽

P450 Enzyme ◽

Potential Benefits ◽

The Impact

Introduction: Polypharmacy and genetic variants that strongly influence medication response (pharmacogenomics, PGx) are two well-described risk factors for adverse drug reactions. Complexities arise in interpreting PGx results in the presence of co-administered medications that can cause cytochrome P450 enzyme phenoconversion.Aim: To quantify phenoconversion in a cohort of acute aged persons mental health patients and evaluate its impact on the reporting of medications with actionable PGx guideline recommendations (APRs).Methods: Acute aged persons mental health patients (N = 137) with PGx and medication data at admission and discharge were selected to describe phenoconversion frequencies for CYP2D6, CYP2C19 and CYP2C9 enzymes. The expected impact of phenoconversion was then assessed on the reporting of medications with APRs.Results: Post-phenoconversion, the predicted frequency at admission and discharge increased for CYP2D6 intermediate metabolisers (IMs) by 11.7 and 16.1%, respectively. Similarly, for CYP2C19 IMs, the predicted frequency at admission and discharge increased by 13.1 and 11.7%, respectively. Nineteen medications with APRs were prescribed 120 times at admission, of which 50 (42%) had APRs pre-phenoconversion, increasing to 60 prescriptions (50%) post-phenoconversion. At discharge, 18 medications with APRs were prescribed 122 times, of which 48 (39%) had APRs pre-phenoconversion, increasing to 57 prescriptions (47%) post-phenoconversion.Discussion: Aged persons mental health patients are commonly prescribed medications with APRs, but interpretation of these recommendations must consider the effects of phenoconversion. Adopting a collaborative care model between prescribers and clinical pharmacists should be considered to address phenoconversion and ensure the potential benefits of PGx are maximised.

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Mental health professionals view about the impact of male gender for the treatment of men with depression - a qualitative study

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-020-02686-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maja Stiawa ◽

Annabel Müller-Stierlin ◽

Tobias Staiger ◽

Reinhold Kilian ◽

Thomas Becker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Health Professionals ◽

Male Gender ◽

The Impact

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Understanding addiction, relapse and recovery amongst substance using offenders – a qualitative study informed by developmental psychological theories

Drugs and Alcohol Today ◽

10.1108/dat-04-2020-0023 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 337-352

Author(s):

Beverly Love ◽

Arlene Vetere ◽

Paul Davis

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Substance Use ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Life Events ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Later Life ◽

Social Experiences ◽

Content Type ◽

Significant Life ◽

The Impact

Purpose Psychological developmental informed theories imply that addiction is not exclusively due to the addictive properties of the substance but that early psycho-social experiences are influential on later life. The purpose of this paper is to understand substance dependency, relapse and recovery amongst community-based substance using offenders in relation to their childhoods, relationships and significant life events, from their perspective. A key aim was to help better inform policy and practice. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study (interpretative phenomenological analysis) was used to understand the impact of childhood, relationships and significant life events amongst (N = 17) adult ex/offenders with substance use dependency problems, (who were part of the UK Government rehabilitation programme), to understand their substance use and recovery from their own perspectives. Findings Four main superordinate themes were developed illustrating participants extremely adverse childhoods. Substance use was a means to cope with current and past trauma and crises and to help manage the emotions and mental health which could accompany these difficulties. Managing recovery was about learning to manage life itself, including emotions, mental health problems, trauma/responses, relationships and everyday life. Originality/value This group is under researched where qualitative methods have been used. The study focussed on early-psycho-social experiences and relationships and the influence of these throughout the life cycle, in relation to their substance use. The study was informed by theories often used in therapeutic settings but rarely in research, (Orford, 2008; Khantzian, 2012; Flores, 2012, Van Der Kolk, 2014).

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A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18031062 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 1062

Author(s):

Katriona O’Sullivan ◽

Serena Clark ◽

Amy McGrane ◽

Nicole Rock ◽

Lydia Burke ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Vulnerable Populations ◽

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Parents And Children ◽

The Impact

Mitigating the adverse physical health risks associated with COVID-19 has been a priority of public health incentives. Less attention has been placed on understanding the psychological factors related to the global pandemic, especially among vulnerable populations. This qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of children and adolescents during COVID-19. This study interviewed 48 families during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and a national lockdown, to understand its impacts. The study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) methodology. Parents and children discussed the negative impact of the restrictions on young people’s wellbeing. Children and adolescents experienced adverse mental health effects, including feelings of social isolation, depression, anxiety, and increases in maladaptive behaviour. Families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders reported increased mental health difficulties during this period mostly due to changes to routine. The findings highlight the impact of severe restrictions on vulnerable populations’ wellbeing and mental health outcomes, including children, adolescents, and those with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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Open dialogue in the UK: qualitative study

BJPsych Open ◽

10.1192/bjo.2019.38 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (04) ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Rachel H. Tribe ◽

Abigail M. Freeman ◽

Steven Livingstone ◽

Joshua C. H. Stott ◽

Stephen Pilling

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Service User ◽

Service Level ◽

Integrative Approach ◽

Service Users ◽

Treatment Implementation ◽

Open Dialogue ◽

The Impact

BackgroundOpen dialogue is an integrative approach to the organisation of specialist mental health services and therapeutic meetings.AimsThis qualitative study sought to explore service users' and clinicians’ experiences of network meetings during the implementation of open dialogue in a modified version, for a UK-based mental health service.MethodIn total 19 participants were interviewed (8 service users and 11 clinicians) and an inductive thematic analysis of the data was conducted.ResultsFour dominant themes were identified: (1) open dialogue delivery, (2) the impact of open dialogue principles; (3) intense interactions and enhanced communication, and (4) organisational challenges. Clinicians considered open dialogue as a preferred, but challenging way of working, while being therapeutic. The data indicated that service users' experiences of network meetings were mixed. There was a wide variety of service user views as to what the purpose of a network meeting was and for some witnessing reflective conversations felt strange. However, the majority described feeling listened to and understood, excluding one service user who described their experience as distressing. Clinicians expressed an authentic self in their interactions with service users and both service users and clinicians described network meetings as emotionally expressive, although this was described as overwhelming at times.ConclusionsThe results of this thematic analysis indicate that service users' and clinicians’ experiences of open dialogue warrant further investigation. The intensity of interactions in network meetings should be carefully considered with service users before gaining consent to commence treatment. Implementation of open dialogue should be monitored to assess clinician- and service-level adherence to the principles of the approach.Declaration of interestNone.

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