The effectiveness of a sensory modulation workshop on health professional learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 317-331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilbert Azuela ◽  
Linda Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Sensory Modulation ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Workshops are commonly used to up-skill staff and their usefulness can be determined by measuring whether or not learning needs have been met and, in particular, whether attitudes have changed. In the field of mental health, sensory modulation workshops have been introduced to educate staff about preventative measures that reduce the use of seclusion and restraint for service users with challenging behaviours. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of such a workshop. Design/methodology/approach A one-day workshop was developed based on a review of the literature and feedback from previous workshops, and with input from an industry-based reference group. An evaluation tool was designed to measure the learning outcomes, i.e., the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the 23 participants. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v20) was used to analyse the data. Multi-variate analysis of variance was used to determine the relationship between variables. Findings A significant increase in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of mental health staff was identified after the one-day workshop (F=106.346, df=1, p<0.000). When considering which participants showed most benefits, it was shown that the demographics had no effect, i.e., education level, practice discipline, years of work experience in mental health, and previous sensory modulation training. Practical implications Measuring learning outcomes provides essential information about whether or not the learning objectives have been met. This allows future workshops to be tailored to ensure that the learning opportunity is at the correct level for the learners. More traditional evaluations that elicit the views of the content covered and teaching methods should additionally be used to supplement this information. Originality/value Workshops are often evaluated on the basis of the participants’ subjective response to a quick questionnaire. Developing a tool to measure outcomes is a more effective way to determine what has been learned and to ensure that positive outcomes for individuals and their organisations can be reached.

A systemic response to supporting frontline inpatient mental health staff in coping with the COVID-19 outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Padraig Cotter ◽  
Nicola Jhumat ◽  
Eshia Garcha ◽  
Eirini Papasileka ◽  
Jennifer Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Frontline Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Care Workforce ◽  
Inpatient Mental Health ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to outline the process of supporting frontline inpatient mental health staff in developing ways of coping with COVID-19. Design/methodology/approach A whole system approach was used in formulating and developing support structures with particular focus on relationship-focused coping. Findings Interventions were developed to support staff in coping with problem-focused (e.g. systemic changes) and emotion-focused challenges (e.g. deaths of colleagues). These included psychoeducation, mindfulness-based meditation and rituals to mark the deaths of colleagues. Staff SPACE (Stopping to Process and Consider Events) sessions were used to support staff in managing the many emotions they were experiencing. Positive psychology-based interventions were used to keep morale up and help people to stay motivated. The process of seeking feedback and making changes was introduced to support staff in feeling heard and having a voice. The maternal or master intervention within each of the above was the relational component. Practical implications This work aimed to boost the emotional and psychological literacy of the system. This will be important in the aftermath of the pandemic and could have many benefits thereafter. Social implications The post-COVID-19 health-care workforce will experience significant challenges in terms of readjustment and recovery. It is important that appropriate measures are put in place to ameliorate this. Originality/value An innovative systemic formulation of the impact of COVID-19 on frontline staff, and a coordinated way of dealing with this, is outlined.

“The dual diagnosis attitudes survey”: understanding the attitudinal impact of training across mental health and alcohol and drug service systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 137-149
Author(s):  
Gavin Foster
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Dual Diagnosis ◽  
Metropolitan Region ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regional Partnership ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Anecdotal feedback obtained from alcohol and drug and mental health staff across the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne, Australia suggests that attitudes towards working with people experiencing a dual diagnosis are becoming more positive. The purpose of this paper is to understand if dual diagnosis-specific training delivered to staff within mental health and alcohol and other drug services was a factor positively influencing attitudes. Design/methodology/approach No formal evaluation assessing the impact of dual diagnosis-specific training on staff attitudes had previously occurred within this region of Australia. Access to staff on two occasions from three distinct sectors provided an opportunity to examine if and, to what degree, attitudes can be influenced by dual diagnosis-specific training. Using a co-designed attitudes survey, information was gathered from mental health and alcohol and drug staff on their attitudes to working with people with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. Findings Two surveys were conducted involving 186 staff in 2012 and 110 staff in 2016. The dual diagnosis attitudes survey showed that positive attitudes to working with people experiencing a dual diagnosis were associated with recency of training. While attitudes may be improved by dual diagnosis training, these findings cannot exclude the impact of other dual diagnosis capacity building activities. Originality/value This study highlights the benefits of a regional partnership between mental health and alcohol and drug services and people with lived experience of dual diagnosis and the benefit of recent co-designed dual diagnosis training on longitudinally assessed worker attitudes.

scholarly journals The impact of Recovery Colleges on mental health staff, services and society

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Crowther ◽  
A. Taylor ◽  
R. Toney ◽  
S. Meddings ◽  
T. Whale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Advisory Panel ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Social Care Service ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAimsRecovery Colleges are opening internationally. The evaluation focus has been on outcomes for Recovery College students who use mental health services. However, benefits may also arise for: staff who attend or co-deliver courses; the mental health and social care service hosting the Recovery College; and wider society. A theory-based change model characterising how Recovery Colleges impact at these higher levels is needed for formal evaluation of their impact, and to inform future Recovery College development. The aim of this study was to develop a stratified theory identifying candidate mechanisms of action and outcomes (impact) for Recovery Colleges at staff, services and societal levels.MethodsInductive thematic analysis of 44 publications identified in a systematised review was supplemented by collaborative analysis involving a lived experience advisory panel to develop a preliminary theoretical framework. This was refined through semi-structured interviews with 33 Recovery College stakeholders (service user students, peer/non-peer trainers, managers, community partners, clinicians) in three sites in England.ResultsCandidate mechanisms of action and outcomes were identified at staff, services and societal levels. At the staff level, experiencing new relationships may change attitudes and associated professional practice. Identified outcomes for staff included: experiencing and valuing co-production; changed perceptions of service users; and increased passion and job motivation. At the services level, Recovery Colleges often develop somewhat separately from their host system, reducing the reach of the college into the host organisation but allowing development of an alternative culture giving experiential learning opportunities to staff around co-production and the role of a peer workforce. At the societal level, partnering with community-based agencies gave other members of the public opportunities for learning alongside people with mental health problems and enabled community agencies to work with people they might not have otherwise. Recovery Colleges also gave opportunities to beneficially impact on community attitudes.ConclusionsThis study is the first to characterise the mechanisms of action and impact of Recovery Colleges on mental health staff, mental health and social care services, and wider society. The findings suggest that a certain distance is needed in the relationship between the Recovery College and its host organisation if a genuine cultural alternative is to be created. Different strategies are needed depending on what level of impact is intended, and this study can inform decision-making about mechanisms to prioritise. Future research into Recovery Colleges should include contextual evaluation of these higher level impacts, and investigate effectiveness and harms.

Enhancing teaching relationships through therapeutic use of self

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-70
Author(s):  
Bronwen Williams
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Therapeutic Use ◽  
Good Effect ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Use Of Self ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the skills involved in building therapeutic relationships, especially the therapeutic use of self, in clinical work can transfer in to teaching, making reference to the supporting education theory. Design/methodology/approach – A review of relevant education and health literature was undertaken. Findings – Mental health practitioners’ skills transfer with good effect to the classroom, therefore clinicians who deliver teaching to mental health colleagues can be seen to be highly effective in promoting excellent learning environments. The teacher, and their teaching, needs to be student focused in the same way that the clinician needs to be patient centred to build the best possible relationships to support development and change. Originality/value – The therapeutic relationship is a fundamental element of mental health work and similarly, the relationships that the teachers develop with students are essential to the promotion of learning environments. However, what creates the teacher-student relationship has been little examined in the literature and this paper suggests that the core elements of the therapeutic relationship, especially therapeutic use of self, transfer to the teaching relationship to impact on learning for mental health staff.

Exploring mental health nursing practice in Indonesian rural area

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-126
Author(s):  
Kusrini Semarwati Kadar ◽  
Andriani Andriani ◽  
Darmita Noria Tandi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Program ◽  
Mental Health Program ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South Sulawesi ◽  
The Government ◽  
Mental Health Programs

Purpose Mental health should be getting more attention, as mental health problems are increasing and they pose a significant health burden. Government plays an important role in supporting the implementation of mental health program. The purpose of this paper is to overview the implementation of mental health programs in North Toraja Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents an audit conducted to examine the practice of mental health staff delivering mental health programs in community centers in one sub-district area in Indonesia and describes key areas of work, including promotive, preventative, curative and rehabilitation intervention. Responds from the respondents then was compared to guidelines for mental health practice in community based on Mental Health Law No. 18 (2014). The respondents were all mental health program staff (26 staff) from all community health centers (26 Puskesmas) in the North Toraja region, South Sulawesi (each Puskesmas has one staff responsible for mental health program). Findings This study explored programs and services provided for community mental health programs and roles of health staff in implementing programs and delivering services in one rural area. Although most health staff had provided mental health services according to the government guidelines, this study did not identify what the staff actually did in performing this work. Health staff cannot work alone in providing healthcare services, thus support from other sectors and from government is needed to deliver more effective healthcare to people with mental health disorders in the community. For further study, qualitative design is needed to explore more about the actual practice of the mental health staff in Puskesmas. Originality/value There is no published information regarding this topic in Indonesia to date. This information is really important for the government to evaluate the implementation of mental health program in Indonesia. However, these findings may only apply in this area, thus cannot be generalized for other regions in Indonesia, even if similar condition occurs in other areas.

scholarly journals Mental health staff views on improving burnout and mental toughness

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-259
Author(s):  
Zoe Posner ◽  
Jessie Janssen ◽  
Hazel Roddam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Nominal Group Technique ◽  
Mental Toughness ◽  
Nominal Group ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
North West

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.

Impact on staff attitudes of brief personality disorder training for acute psychiatric wards

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire McDonald ◽  
Fiona Seaman-Thornton ◽  
Che Ling Michelle Mok ◽  
Hanne Jakobsen ◽  
Simon Riches
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Staff Attitudes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Acute Psychiatric Wards ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Negative attitudes towards “personality disorder” are common among mental health professionals. This study aims to design a psychoeducational training targeting attitudes to “personality disorder” for staff working in a London psychiatric hospital. Its impact on staff attitudes was evaluated. Design/methodology/approach Mental health clinicians were recruited from five acute psychiatric wards. Feasibility of implementing the training was measured. A free-association exercise explored baseline attitudes to “personality disorder” and visual analogue scales assessed staff attitudes pre- and post-training. Content analysis of staff feedback was carried out. Findings Psychoeducational training was found to be feasible, well-attended and highly valued by ward staff (N = 47). Baseline results revealed negative perceptions of “personality disorder”. Post-training, significant improvements in understanding, levels of compassion and attitudes to working with service users with a diagnosis of a “personality disorder” were observed. Staff feedback highlighted desire for further training and support. Research limitations/implications The sample size was relatively small and there was no control group, so findings should be interpreted with caution. Practical implications The findings highlight the need for support for staff working with service users with diagnoses of “personality disorder” on acute psychiatric wards. Providing regular training with interactive components may promote training as a resource for staff well-being. Planning to ensure service users’ and carers’ views are incorporated into the design of future training will be important. Originality/value This study is innovative in that it investigates the impact of a brief psychoeducational training on “personality disorder” designed for mental health staff on acute psychiatric wards.

scholarly journals Walking side-by-side: Recovery Colleges revolutionising mental health care

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Sommer ◽  
Katherine Gill ◽  
Jane Stein-Parbury
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Interviews

Purpose The Recovery College model is an innovative approach to providing education to consumers, carers and mental health staff, with the potential to facilitate both personal recovery gains and organisational transformation towards recovery-focused service provision. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of students who attended the South Eastern Sydney Recovery College (SESRC). Design/methodology/approach An exploratory, descriptive qualitative design was employed with data collected through seven focus group interviews with consumers and mental health staff who had participated in courses run by the SESRC. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted using both deductive and inductive processes in order to interpret the data. Findings All participants were positive about their involvement in the RC. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis: connection with others, hope for the future, the importance of the lived experience, and changing attitudes and systems. Originality/value The outcomes of this study indicate that the SESRC is achieving its aims in relation to both personal recovery gains, and the potential to impact on service transformation. It highlights the centrality of co-production as a fundamental aspect of the Recovery College model. This paper contributes to the emerging evidence base for this model and provides evidence that this model is applicable to the Australian context.

Experience, Knowledge and Attitudes of Mental Health Staff Regarding Patients' Problematic Drug and Alcohol Use

1999 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandi Siegfried ◽  
Joanne Ferguson ◽  
Michelle Cleary ◽  
Garry Walter ◽  
Joseph M. Rey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Mental Health Staff ◽  
Alcohol Education ◽  
Problematic Drug ◽  
Drug And Alcohol ◽  
And Training

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the experience, knowledge and attitudes of mental health staff regarding patients' problematic drug and alcohol use in order to provide direction for planned drug and alcohol education. Method: A 47-item questionnaire was developed and individually posted to all mental health staff employed by Central Sydney Area Health Service (n == 536). Results: Three hundred and thirty-eight (63%) staff members completed the questionnaire. Thirty-six percent of respondents had received drug and alcohol training and 41% had drug and alcohol work experience. Drug and alcohol training and work experience were associated with increased drug and alcohol knowledge. Respondents' perception of their knowledge and competence was positively correlated with their actual knowledge. Most staff reported having regular contact with patients with psychotic illnesses and drug and alcohol problems. The majority considered the management of this patient group difficult and currently inadequate. Seventy percent believed that as mental health professionals they had a role to play in the management of their patients' drug and alcohol problems. Almost all (95%) were willing to participate in further education and training in this area. Conclusions: Mental health staff are often confronted with drug and alcohol problems in patients with psychotic illnesses. They perceive a need for drug and alcohol education and training specific to the management of these patients. Future research will need to evaluate outcomes of education and training programs for both staff and patients.

scholarly journals Novel psychoactive substance use by mental health service consumers: an online survey of inpatient health professionals’ views and experiences

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Hughes ◽  
Dan Bressington ◽  
Kathryn Sharratt ◽  
Richard Gray
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Inpatient Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
The Impact

Purpose There is evidence that novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are commonly used by people with severe mental illness. The purpose of this paper is to undertake a scoping survey to explore the inpatient mental health workers’ perceptions of NPS use by consumers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey of mental health professionals is used in the study. The participants were opportunistically recruited through social media and professional networks. Findings A total of 98 participants (of 175 who started the survey) were included in the analysis. All reported that some patients had used NPS prior to admission. Over 90 per cent of participants reported observing at least one adverse event relating to NPS use in the previous month. The majority of participants reported that patients had used NPS during their inpatient admission. Three quarters were not clear if their workplace had a policy about NPS. Most wanted access to specific NPS information and training. The participants reported that they lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to manage NPS use in the patients they worked with. Research limitations/implications Whilst the authors are cautious about the generalisability (due to methodological limitations), the findings provide useful insight into the perceptions of inpatient staff regarding the extent and impact of NPS use including concerns regarding the impact on mental and physical health, as well as ease of availability and a need for specific training and guidance. Practical implications Mental health professionals require access to reliable and up-to-date information on changing trends in substance use. Local policies need to include guidance on the safe clinical management of substance use and ensure that NPS information is included. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey of the perceptions of mental health staff working in inpatient mental health settings regarding NPS. The findings suggest that NPS is a common phenomenon in inpatient mental health settings, and there is a need for more research on the impact of NPS on people with mental health problems.

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