scholarly journals M223. EXPLORING YOUR PERSONAL IDENTITY: USING USER-CENTRED-DESIGN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW INTERVENTION FOR SERVICE USERS WITH COMPLEX MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S220-S221
Author(s):  
Lisette Van der Meer ◽  
Tessa Jonker ◽  
Charlotte Wunderink ◽  
Jaap van Weeghel ◽  
Marieke (Gerdina) Pijnenborg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
User Centred Design ◽  
Starting Point

Abstract Background Introduction: As a human being we give meaning to our stories, in relation to the social and physical context. For people with severe and complex mental health needs, who have been dependent on (intensive) residential psychiatric support for a long time, it is possible that talents and qualities disappear because this part of their identity has been buried under a long psychiatric history. This can result in people’s identity becoming limited to ‘patient’, and the experience of life as meaningless. Objectives For these service-users, few interventions aimed at personal recovery are available that match their cognitive and communicative skills. In this project, we developed a new psychosocial intervention to stimulate self-reflection and personal recovery. Methods The development of the intervention took place through a “user-centred-design process” (UCD). UCD is an iterative design process in which the needs and wishes of the user are the starting point, and they remain central in the product design circle. Throughout the whole design process, service users, significant others, mental health professionals, peer support workers, artists, and researchers collaborate in order to design a first testable prototype. For each step of design process, we organized focus group meetings and brainstorm sessions with all stakeholders as well as individual interviews with service users. Based on the input in these meetings and interviews, the design was adapted. This was done for each consecutive step, which made the whole design process iterative by nature. Results A new psychosocial intervention entitled “This Is Me” was developed as a “journey of discovery” through the lives of service users at both verbal and non-verbal levels. From the UCD process four basic principles underlying the intervention were disentangled that have been incorporated in the intervention: 1) “gaining new experiences”, 2) “attention for (self)stigma”, 3) “equal treatment as a person”, 4) “uniqueness of the individual”. This resulted in an intervention in which service-users, together with a teammate, engage in new experiences. Moreover, they are prompted to reflect on these experiences upon their return. With this process, we aim to support people in (re)discovering roles, talents and characteristics to broaden the identity from ‘patienthood’ to ‘personhood’. Discussion Conclusions: UCD was a useful method for the development of a new psychosocial intervention targeting identity for people with complex mental health needs. The process resulted into new knowledge about factors that are important in the (re)development of identity. In addition, we will present the first results of a pilot study in which we assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention.

scholarly journals Targeting Personal Recovery of People With Complex Mental Health Needs: The Development of a Psychosocial Intervention Through User-Centered Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisette van der Meer ◽  
Tessa Jonker ◽  
Heleen Wadman ◽  
Charlotte Wunderink ◽  
Jaap van Weeghel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychosocial Intervention ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Service Users ◽  
User Centered Design ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Sense Of Purpose ◽  
Evaluation Phase ◽  
User Centered

Long-term admissions in psychiatric facilities often result in a gradual erosion of the identity of people diagnosed with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) into merely “patient.” Moreover, experiences of loss often reduced people's sense of purpose. Although regaining a multidimensional identity and a sense of purpose are essential for personal recovery, few interventions specifically address this, while at the same time take people's often considerable cognitive and communicative disabilities into consideration. This study describes the development process of a new intervention through user-centered design (UCD). UCD is an iterative process in which a product (in this case, an intervention) is developed in close cooperation with future users, such that the final product matches their needs. The design process included three phases: an analysis, design, and evaluation phase. In the analysis phase, the “problem” was defined, users' needs were identified, and design criteria were established. In the design phase, the collected information served as input to create a testable prototype using a process of design and redesign, in close collaboration with service users and other stakeholders. This resulted in an intervention entitled “This is Me” (TiM) in which service users, together with a self-chosen teammate, actively engage in new experiences on which they are prompted to reflect. Finally, in the evaluation phase, TiM was implemented and evaluated in a real-life setting. In a small feasibility pilot, we found indications that some people indeed demonstrated increased reflection on their identity during the intervention. Furthermore, TiM seemed to benefit the relationship between the service users and the mental health professionals with whom they underwent the experiences. The pilot also revealed some aspects of the (implementation of) TiM that can be improved. Overall, we conclude that UCD is a useful method for the development of a new psychosocial intervention. The method additionally increased our knowledge about necessary factors in targeting personal recovery for people with complex mental health needs. Moreover, we conclude that TiM is a promising tool for supporting people with SMI in redeveloping a multidimensional identity and a renewed sense of purpose.

Delivering Psychological Services to Refugees Resettled in the United States

2019 ◽  
pp. 165-183
Author(s):  
Johanna E. Nilsson ◽  
Sally Stratmann ◽  
Aurora Molitoris ◽  
Marcella A. Beaumont ◽  
Jessica Horine
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
The United States ◽  
Psychological Services ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
The Status

Approximately 25 million refugees have fled their homelands internationally, and about 3 million have been resettled in the United States. The mental health needs of a population that has fled oppression, violence, and instability are diverse. This chapter seeks to provide a holistic overview of these needs. The introduction covers what defines the status of a refugee, current resettlement policies, and pre- and post-migration experiences and concerns among refugees, including barriers to basic services. Effective mental health treatment options and areas of competence for mental health professionals working with these individuals are discussed, along with future considerations for best meeting the mental health needs of refugees.

scholarly journals Asiasiga: a Samoan intervention to address the immediate mental health needs of Samoan communities after a tsunami

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-33
Author(s):  
Taimalieutu Kiwi Tamasese ◽  
Tafaoimalo Loudeen Parsons ◽  
Charles Waldegrave ◽  
Richard Sawrey ◽  
Allister Bush
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Cultural Practice ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Clinicians ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Pastoral Workers ◽  
Degree Of Acceptance ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Health Programmes

Objective: To describe an Indigenous Samoan psychosocial intervention developed to address the mental health needs of affected communities in Samoa following a tsunami. Method: A partnership was established between Samoan therapists, Samoan Catholic pastoral workers and non-Samoan mental health clinicians, informed by Samoan concepts of self and wellbeing. The format developed for visits to significantly affected households was based on a Samoan cultural practice known as asiasiga and was carried out by pastoral workers, with daily group supervision and access to mental health professionals. Results: Household visits were offered to affected families in villages throughout southern and eastern Upolu and the island of Manono. There was a high degree of acceptance of the programme by Pulenu’u (village governance leaders) and family leaders and members. Conclusions: Mental health responses to the needs of Indigenous Pacific communities following a disaster need to be embedded in the values of those communities. The Samoan practice of asiasiga contributed to the high degree of acceptability of this programme. Partnerships with churches, schools and other local organisations are likely to enhance acceptability and participation. More research is required on Indigenous Pacific post-disaster mental health programmes.

Childhood and Adolescence

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suad Kapetanovic ◽  
Lori Wiener ◽  
Lisa Tuchman ◽  
Maryland Pao
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
The Family ◽  
Health Objectives ◽  
Hiv Aids

Mental health professionals need to understand how the psychosocial and mental health needs of HIV-infected youth evolve over time and to be able to identify salient clinical challenges that present with each developmental stage. It is also important to understand that HIV/AIDS affects children’s lives indirectly, by the presence of HIV/AIDS in a family member, even if the child is not HIV infected. This chapter uses a developmental perspective to introduce key mental health objectives in the lives of developing HIV-infected children and adolescents and provides an overview of epidemiological, psychosocial, and clinical parameters to be considered in their clinical care and management. The chapter also addresses issues facing perinatally and behaviorally HIV-infected children and adolescents. Separate sections of the chapter discuss biopsychosocial factors salient to children and adolescents who are affected by HIV infection in the family.

Working with Forced Migrants: Therapeutic Issues and Considerations for Mental Health Counselors

2012 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adeyinka Akinsulure-Smith ◽  
Maile O'Hara
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Counselors ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
The Social ◽  
Forced Migrants ◽  
Therapeutic Services

The number of forced migrants arriving in the United States continues to increase. To provide effective therapeutic services and interventions for them, it is important for clinicians to understand the unique role that mental health professionals can play in improving the mental health of this diverse population. This article draws attention to the mental health needs of forced migrants and highlights considerations, such as medical, social, legal, cultural, and linguistic factors, that providing services to this population may entail. It also suggests ways in which counselors can actively, competently, and ethically address the social justice issues that impact forced migrants.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices of Australian Audiologists in Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Adults With Hearing Loss

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca J. Bennett ◽  
Carly J. Meyer ◽  
Brooke Ryan ◽  
Caitlin Barr ◽  
Emma Laird ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beliefs And Practices

Purpose Emotional and mental health is essential to overall health, but there has been little research on how to approach emotional and mental health in the audiology setting. This study provides a preliminary investigation into the current knowledge, beliefs, and practices of Australian audiologists in addressing the emotional and mental health needs of adults with hearing loss. Method A 22-item survey using open- and closed-ended questions was completed by 95 Australian audiologists using a cross-sectional study design. Results Two thirds of audiologists described being underconfident and lacking the skills required to provide emotional support to people with hearing loss. Barriers to delivering emotional support included feeling out of their depth (56.6%), time/caseload pressures (55.3%), and the perception that the provision of emotional support was not within an audiologist's scope of practice (31.6%). Audiologists described a desire to refer clients to mental health professionals yet highlighted significant barriers, including not knowing who to refer to (54.7%), when to make a referral (49.3%), or how to make a referral (38.6%). Audiologists overwhelmingly (96%) indicated that they would like to develop their knowledge and skills associated with the provision of emotional and mental health support in the audiological setting. Conclusion Knowledge, skills, and time were identified as the key areas that require attention in order to allow audiologists to address the emotional and mental health needs of adults with hearing loss.

Sociodemographic profile and mental health needs of referrals to an Irish psychiatric service: a transcultural perspective

2011 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ahmed ◽  
Brendan Dineen ◽  
Sinead O'Brien ◽  
Philip A Carney
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Utilization ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Psychiatric Service ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Mental Health Needs

AbstractObjectives: This study describes the social, demographic and clinical characteristics of all the new referrals in a mental health catchment area. This study aims to compare Irish and non-Irish service users in terms of their mental health needs and service utilization.Method: Case notes were reviewed retrospectively to investigate demographic, clinical and service utilization parameters among new referrals to the psychiatric services in Galway, Ireland over a six-month period.Results: One hundred and fifty-four new referrals, of whom 41 were non-Irish, presented over a six-month period. Results showed no difference between Irish and non-Irish service users in terms of socio-demographic variables. Alcohol problems and subsequent need for detoxification and counselling were significantly higher among service users from the new EU accession states with a significant impact on the duration of their hospital stay and the need for intensive psychiatric care.Conclusions: There is an urgent need for enhanced resources for the delivery of mental healthcare to immigrants. Service utilisation and mental health needs are not explained merely by illness-related aspects in immigrant service users. Social and cultural factors have to be recognised in order to prevent disadvantages in psychiatric care.

scholarly journals Psychogeriatric research comes of age in developing countries

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-621 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. S. JACOB ◽  
MARY GANGULI
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
High Quality

Psychogeriatrics and psychogeriatric research have been particularly slow to take hold in developing countries. In part this is because the elderly constitute relatively small proportions of those countries' populations, and are thus of low priority for specialized services. A recent report in Science (Miller, 2006) addresses mental health needs in developing countries worldwide but does not include old-age mental disorders other than dementia. Similarly, an article from Brazil (Garcez-Leme et al., 2005), in another international journal, provides an overview of that country's resources and needs in geriatrics, but neglects to mention mental disorders or mental health professionals. Yet, these countries are aging faster than the industrialized world and have fewer resources with which to care for their mentally ill elderly. High-quality, locally acquired information will be essential for planning appropriate mental health services.

scholarly journals Mental Health In Elite Athletes: Increased Awareness Requires An Early Intervention Framework to Respond to Athlete Needs

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosemary Purcell ◽  
Kate Gwyther ◽  
Simon M. Rice
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Elite Athletes ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
The Right

Abstract The current ‘state of play’ in supporting elite athlete mental health and wellbeing has centred mostly on building mental health literacy or awareness of the signs of mental ill-health amongst athletes. Such awareness is necessary, but not sufficient to address the varied mental health needs of elite athletes. We call for a new model of intervention and outline the backbone of a comprehensive mental health framework to promote athlete mental health and wellbeing, and respond to the needs of athletes who are at-risk of developing, or already experiencing mental health symptoms or disorders. Early detection of, and intervention for, mental health symptoms is essential in the elite sporting context. Such approaches help build cultures that acknowledge that an athlete’s mental health needs are as important as their physical health needs, and that both are likely to contribute to optimising the athlete’s overall wellbeing in conjunction with performance excellence. The proposed framework aims at (i) helping athletes develop a range of self-management skills that they can utilise to manage psychological distress, (ii) equipping key stakeholders in the elite sporting environment (such as coaches, sports medicine and high-performance support staff) to better recognise and respond to concerns regarding an athlete’s mental health and (iii) highlighting the need for specialist multi-disciplinary teams or skilled mental health professionals to manage athletes with severe or complex mental disorders. Combined, these components ensure that elite athletes receive the intervention and support that they need at the right time, in the right place, with the right person.

Collaborative Relationships: School Counselors and Non-School Mental Health Professionals Working Together to Improve the Mental Health Needs of Students

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 2156759X0500900
Author(s):  
Chris Brown ◽  
David T. Dahlbeck ◽  
Lynette Sparkman-Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
School Counselors ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Counselor Training ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
School Counselor ◽  
School Mental Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Vice Principals

Fifty-three school counselors and administrators employed in middle and high school settings were surveyed regarding their thoughts about school districts working collaboratively with non-school mental health professionals to respond to the mental health needs of students. In addition, the survey sought to understand what school counselors and their hiring principals/vice principals regard as the roles and responsibilities of school counselors and the scope of school counselor training.

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