scholarly journals Work-related stress in forensic mental health professionals: a systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 227-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy Brown ◽  
Artemis Igoumenou ◽  
Anna-marie Mortlock ◽  
Nitin Gupta ◽  
Mrigendra Das
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of stress and burnout among forensic mental health (FMH) professionals. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review of the available literature accessed by relevant databases was conducted. Findings This study concluded that FMH suffer from moderate levels of both stress and burnout. There is insufficient evidence to establish that they suffer from higher levels of stress than their non-forensic colleagues. Interventions such as psychosocial intervention training have been reported to demonstrate an improvement in staff knowledge and attitudes towards patients, whilst reducing burnout. Practical implications Stress in FMH is a cause of concern. Conclusions drawn are applicable only to nursing staff as other professions were not adequately represented. As most studies used the burnout scores, results were directly comparable. Further research is needed to fully evaluate stress and burnout in professionals who work within FMH settings. Originality/value High levels of stress and burnout have negative effects on an individual’s ability to work and subsequently there is a financial and also moral incentive for the management of health service workforces to intervene. This study highlights that FMH, as a population, are at risk.

Our lives in three parts: an autoethnographic account of two undergraduates and their respective psychiatric careers

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-205
Author(s):  
Andrew Voyce ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Clinical Psychologist ◽  
Recovery Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Recovery Movement ◽  
Partnership Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an autoethnographic account of the stories of a mental health professional and a mental health survivor. Design/methodology/approach Using the autoethnographic approach, the authors provide summaries of their respective psychiatric careers in three parts. Findings The authors studied at the same University, Reading. Voyce failed his Politics finals and embarked on a trajectory as a mental patient. Carson graduated in Psychology and trained as a clinical psychologist. The recovery movement brought them together, and they have now established an educational and personal bond. Research limitations/implications These are of course only two accounts, yet both authors have played a role in developing the recovery model in Britain. The accounts and story show the benefits of adopting a partnership approach between professional and service user. Practical implications Both accounts are recovery journeys in their own way. Both highlight the value of education for recovery. Social implications There is no doubt that clinical psychologists are both highly valued and well paid for their expertise. However, the expertise gained through Andrew’s life experience is equally invaluable for today’s mental health professionals to learn from, but perhaps not as well remunerated. Originality/value Both accounts stretch back over 45 years and have covered the move from institutional to community care. This paper presents two contrasting perspectives on these changes and the lives of the two people involved.

Nurses’ views about unlicensed and off-license medicines in forensic mental health

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-202
Author(s):  
Camilla M. Haw ◽  
Jean H. Stubbs ◽  
Geoffrey L. Dickens
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Pragmatic Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Mental Health Nurses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unlicensed Medicines ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Use of off-license medicines in forensic mental health settings is common and unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed. Despite their responsibility for administering medicines little is known about how mental health nurses view these practices. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 50 mental health nurses working in low and medium secure adolescent and adult mental health wards were presented with a clinical vignette about administration of unlicensed and off-license medicines. Semi-structured interviews about their likely clinical response to, and feelings about, this practice were conducted. Interview data were subject to a thematic analysis. Findings – Analysis revealed six themes: status of unlicensed/off-label medicines; legality of administering unlicensed medicines; professional standards around administering unlicensed medicines; finding out more about unlicensed medicines; trusting medical colleagues; and decision making in uncertain cases. Practical implications – Forensic mental health nurses take a pragmatic approach to the practice of administering unlicensed medicines and most are aware of their professional responsibilities. Originality/value – This study provides the first evidence to inform the development of training for forensic mental health nurses about an issue that is common in forensic mental health practice.

Law enforcement officers and Employee Assistance Programs

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Donnelly ◽  
Colby Valentine ◽  
Karen Oehme
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The toll of the stresses of policing on officers’ physical and mental health and on their individual work and family functioning has been well documented in the literature. Given the well-established consequences of work-related stress on law enforcement, it becomes important to understand how officers are utilizing institutional support systems. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to elucidate the relationship between officers and Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from surveys attached to an online officer training targeting domestic violence in law enforcement families in a large southern state. Findings – A total of n=934 participants were retained for analyses. Few respondents (16.2 percent) reported accessing their EAPs. Totally, 56.4 percent reported knowing enough about their EAP and how to access it; 33 percent of participants would not use their EAPs for domestic violence concerns. No significant differences among officers who did and did not access their EAPs for workplace stress, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, or domestic violence were identified. Significant differences in alcohol use, posttraumatic stress, and operational stress were identified in those who reported not knowing enough about how to access their EAP. Practical implications – Concrete suggestions are offered to help increase officers’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of mental health and EAPs. Agencies should consider a more comprehensive approach to mental health to ensure that officers get the help they need. Originality/value – Very little is known about the relationship that law enforcement officers have with EAP services. This study sheds light on some important differences in work-related stress, stress reactions, and knowledge and familiarity with EAP services.

Clinical dashboards and their use in an adult mental health inpatient setting, a pilot study

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaspreet Phull ◽  
Julie Hall
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Psychiatric Rehabilitation ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Inpatient Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adult Mental Health ◽  
Limited Sampling ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences and opinions of mental health professionals working in two rehabilitation wards to a clinical dashboard system. Design/methodology/approach – Following the creation of the clinical dashboards, a questionnaire was developed and sent to staff and patients across two clinical wards involved in the clinical dashboard mental health pilot. Findings – The clinical dashboards were viewed as being useful tools for clinicians, supporting engagement. They can offer rapid access to large volumes of clinically useful information, in a palatable format. The pilot suggested that they could be presented in different ways to make them easier to engage with however they could also result in more paperwork for clinicians. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations included the sample size, responder bias and the limited sampling period. It would have been helpful to have obtained further responses to understand why individuals came to their conclusions. Practical implications – The development and use of clinical dashboards in a psychiatric rehabilitation setting offered the opportunity to improve quality, collect and respond to relevant clinical data trends: which is regarded positively by staff and patients. Originality/value – This study represents the first study to examine the use of clinical dashboards within a UK long stay adult mental health ward setting. The results suggest a positive response from both staff and patients and illustrates the potential benefits relating to clinical quality.

Do women choose to step out of a career or are they pushed?

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Talent Retention ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings This research paper focuses on understanding the dynamics that take women in Malaysia out of the workforce, often permanently, when they become mothers. The results reveal that these women feel pushed out of their jobs by factors like a lack of flexibility, long hours, and work-related stress. To address this leak of female talent, HR departments are urged to boldly invest in supportive talent retention mechanisms such as offering a much better work-life balance and childcare facilities. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Nurse AMHPs: an exploratory study of their experiences

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Stone
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Learning Disability ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Authority ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Career Option ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Mental health and learning disability nurses have been eligible to become approved mental health professionals (AMHPs) since 2008, when the Mental Health Act 2007 was implemented. Despite this, there have been proportionally low numbers of these nurses pursuing the AMHP role. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of these nurse AMHPs of training and practice. Design/methodology/approach Ten practicing nurse AMHPs were recruited from across four local authority sites. Using semi-structured interviews, participants were asked to discuss their experiences of being an AMHP. Findings The participants highlighted the need to navigate personal, cultural and structural factors relating to accessing and applying for the training, difficulties with agreeing contracts terms, gaining comparative pay and undertaking the role. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study are the small number of participants and therefore the generalisability of the findings. Also, respondents were practising AMHPs rather than nurses who considered the role but then rejected it as a career option. Practical implications This study has led to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of nurse AMHPs. Social implications The results from this study will assist employing local authorities, and NHS consider the barriers to mental health and learning disability nurses becoming AMHPs. Originality/value The value of this study is in the insight that provides the experiences of nurse AMHP from applying to training through to being a practising AMHP.

scholarly journals Enhancing public mental health and wellbeing through creative arts participation

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 148-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Gillam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Creative Arts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Arts Participation ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how participation in creative arts activity can enhance public mental health and wellbeing. It is informed by both the author’s clinical practice with service users and carers and by research.Design/methodology/approachThe approach taken is to draw selectively on research in the field of creativity, creative arts and wellbeing, focusing in particular on the use of music and creative writing, and to incorporate learning from clinical experience to explore what is understood about the health and wellbeing benefits of creative arts activity.FindingsThere is evidence that creative arts activity is beneficial to mental health and wellbeing. Arts activities that involve active participation appear to offer the greatest benefits. Creative arts participation can help people with diagnosed mental health difficulties to recover from mental illness. Moreover, creative arts activities can also promote wellbeing in the general population.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper does not provide a comprehensive review of the literature in this field.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests that if nurses and other mental health professionals are to play a full role in facilitating flourishing then they will need to learn more about using creative arts in practice and will need to become involved and encourage others to do so.Social implicationsThe paper suggests it is important that creative arts activities should be participatory, so they become a vehicle not only for self-expression but also for participation in groups and communities, increasing connectedness and social inclusion.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils a need for a wider understanding of the health and wellbeing benefits of creative arts activity.

Evolution and devolution: Scottish legislation relevant to people with intellectual disabilities within mental health and forensic services

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 127-136
Author(s):  
Fergus Douds ◽  
Fabian Haut
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legislative Reform ◽  
Scottish Parliament ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of legislation relevant to people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) since the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999; this will be particularly relevant to practitioners working with people with IDs within mental health and forensic mental health services. Design/methodology/approach – A descriptive review of the relevant legislation, setting this out in the chronological order in which the legislation was enacted. Findings – The paper demonstrates that legislative reform is a dynamic and evolving process, responsive to social, political and legal agendas. Research limitations/implications – The paper is limited to a description of the relevant legislation in only one part of the UK (Scotland). Practical implications – A helpful summary of the relevant legislation is provided which should be of particular value to readers/practitioners from outwith Scotland. Originality/value – The paper provides an up to date account of the legislative reform in Scotland during the period 1999-2015.

Revealing the training on intellectual and developmental disabilities among forensic mental health professionals: a survey report

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer C. Sarrett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Training Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the training forensic mental health professionals in the USA receive on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Given the difficulties obtaining accurate prevalence rates of these disabilities in criminal justice settings, it is important to understand how these disabilities are being evaluated and the level of understanding about these disabilities evaluators hold. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed to forensic mental health professionals in the USA that included questions on training opportunities in graduate education, post-graduate forensic training, and professional training opportunities. Participants were also asked about their current work, how they assess I/DD, and their estimates on the percentage of cases they see with I/DD. Findings Respondents reported some training that focused heavily on assessment methods. Most respondents estimated between 5 and 25 percent of their cases involving I/DD and reported using a wide range of assessment methods. Finally, many respondents reporting more training needed in this area. Practical implications More training is needed for forensic mental health professionals on identifying I/DD. Additionally, professional guidelines on what tools and methods to rely on to identify these disabilities is paramount to ensure homogeneity of methods and, thus, better estimates of overall prevalence in criminal justice settings. Originality/value This is the first assessment focused on how forensic mental health professionals are trained to identify I/DD and can be used to improve identification of I/DD in forensic settings.

Judging the quality of child custody evaluations

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Yohananoff
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Child Custody ◽  
Custody Evaluations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Child Custody Evaluations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to assess whether the criteria that have been developed by mental health professionals to judge the quality of child custody reports matches the criteria employed by members of the legal profession. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature on the standards that have been developed to assess the quality of child custody reports and compare it to the criteria used by attorneys and judges. Findings – The broad criteria used by mental health professionals in assessing the quality of child custody reports mostly matches those employed by judges and attorneys. Research limitations/implications – There is limited research that focusses on a detailed, qualitative analysis of each component of a child custody report. Practical implications – Is it essential that a qualitative analysis of child custody reports be performed because it would impact on how professional approach such evaluations. Originality/value – Having research focussing on a detailed qualitative analysis of child custody evaluations may enhance the quality of such products.

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