Making peer-focused self-management programmes work in public mental health

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the Mental Health Foundation’s experiences designing, implementing and evaluating peer-focused self-management programmes. Through a discussion of barriers and good practice, it outlines ways to be successful in making such projects work to improve mental health and wellbeing among at-risk populations. Design/methodology/approach A total of 11 Mental Health Foundation programmes implemented over the past ten years were reviewed through reading manuals and publications and interviewing programme managers. Key data were extracted from each programme to analyse trends in aims, outcomes and recommendations. Findings Through a focus on peer-work, programmes taught individuals from a variety of societal sectors self-management skills to effectively deal with life stressors. Through sharing in non-judgmental spaces and taking ownership of programme design and content, individuals realised improvements in wellbeing and goal achievement. Practical implications Good practice, barriers and recommendations can be taken from this review and applied to future peer-focused self-management programmes. By better embedding quantitative and qualitative evaluations into programme development and implementation, programmes can add to the evidence base and effectively target needs. Originality/value This review lays out valuable experience on an innovative community service paradigm and supports the evidence on effectiveness of peer-focused self-management programmes with a variety of group populations.

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A co-produced self-management programme improves psychosocial outcomes for people living with depression

Mental Health Review Journal ◽

10.1108/mhrj-05-2014-0017 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 242-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Andy Turner ◽

Alba X. Realpe ◽

Louise M. Wallace ◽

Joanna Kosmala-Anderson

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Status ◽

Management Programme ◽

Self Management ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Management Skills ◽

Content Type

Purpose – There is growing interest in self-management support for people living with mental health problems. The purpose of this paper is to describe the evaluation of a co-designed and co-delivered self-management programme (SMP) for people living with depression delivered as part of large scale National Health Service quality improvement programme, which was grounded in the principles of co-production. The authors investigated whether participants became more activated, were less psychologically distressed enjoyed better health status, and quality of life, and improved their self-management skills after attending the seven-week SMP. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted a longitudinal study of 114 people living with depression who attended the SMP. Participants completed self-reported measures before attending the SMP and at six months follow up. Findings – Patient activation significantly improved six months after the SMP (baseline M=49.6, SD=12.3, follow up M=57.2, SD=15.0, t(113)=4.83, p < 0.001; d=0.61). Participants’ experience of depression symptoms as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 significantly reduced (baseline M=15.5, SD=6.8, follow up M=10.6, SD=6.9, t(106)=7.22, p < 0.001, d=−0.72). Participants’ anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale also decreased significantly (baseline anxiety: M=13.1, SD=4.2, follow up M=10.2, SD=4.4, t(79)=6.29, p < 0.001, d=−0.69); (baseline depression: M=10.3, SD=4.6, follow up M=7.7, SD=4.5, t(79)=5.32, p < 0.001, d=−0.56). The authors also observed significant improvement in participants’ health status (baseline M=0.5, SD=0.3, follow up M=0.6, SD=0.3, t(97)=−3.86, p < 0.001, d=0.33), and health-related quality of life (baseline M=45.4, SD=20.5, follow up M=60.8, SD=22.8, t(91)=−2.71, p=0.008, d=0.75). About 35 per cent of participant showed substantial improvements of self-management skills. Originality/value – The co-produced depression SMP is innovative in a UK mental health setting. Improvements in activation, depression, anxiety, quality of life and self-management skills suggest that the SMP could make a useful contribution to the recovery services in mental health.

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Integrated staffing model for residential mental health rehabilitation

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-12-2015-0043 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 92-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Stephen Parker ◽

Frances Dark ◽

Gabrielle Vilic ◽

Karen McCann ◽

Ruth O'Sullivan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Peer Support ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Health Service Delivery ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Organizational Setting ◽

Content Type ◽

Mental Health Service Delivery ◽

Staffing Model

Purpose – A novel integrated staffing model for community-based residential rehabilitation services is described. The purpose of this paper is to achieve synergistic gains through meaningful integration of peer support and clinical workers within rehabilitation teams. Key features include the majority of roles within the team being held by persons with a lived experience of mental illness, the active collaboration between peer and clinical workers throughout all stages of a consumer’s rehabilitation journey, and an organizational structure that legitimizes and emphasizes the importance of peer work within public mental health service delivery. This staffing model is not anticipated to alter the core rehabilitation function and service models. Design/methodology/approach – The emergence of the integrated staffing model is described with reference to the policy and planning context, the evidence base for peer support, and the organizational setting. A conceptual and contextualized description of the staffing model in practice as compared to a traditional clinical staffing model is provided. Findings – There is a potential for synergistic benefits through the direct collaboration between horizontally integrated peer and clinical specialists within a unified team working toward a common goal. This staffing model is novel and untested, and will be subjected to ongoing evaluation. Originality/value – The integrated staffing model may provide a pathway to achieving valued and valuable roles for peer workers working alongside clinical staff in providing rehabilitation support to people affected by serious mental illness.

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Lifestyle coaching for mental health difficulties: scoping review

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-04-2017-0018 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 29-44 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Lauren Bishop ◽

Ann Hemingway ◽

Sara Ashencaen Crabtree

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Research Literature ◽

Self Management ◽

Content Type ◽

Psychological Therapies ◽

Health Strategy

Purpose UK mental health strategy calls for interventions that empower people to self-manage their condition. In lifestyle coaching, coach and client work collaboratively on positive behaviour change to improve client health. There is debate about the appropriateness of coaching for mental health, yet claims have not been supported with evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and scope of the existing research literature in this field. Design/methodology/approach Scoping review. Findings The growing evidence base shows positive outcomes of coaching; for instance, symptom reduction, enhanced self-management and achievement of personal goals. Research limitations/implications The evidence base is small and of variable quality, offering insights that warrant further exploration. Practical implications Coaching not only supports better self-management but also addresses further mental health strategy priorities (such as improved physical health and social functioning). Coaches need not be mental health experts; therefore coaching may be a cost-effective intervention. Social implications As mental ill-health prevalence continues to rise despite widespread use of Improving Access to Psychological Therapies and medication, there is a need to explore how novel approaches such as coaching might be integrated into mental healthcare. Originality/value This is the first study to collate the evidence on mental health coaching, highlighting its extensive potential, which should be further explored in research and practice.

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The creative artist support group: a case study

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-11-2013-0072 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 142-145 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elliot Benjamin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Support Group ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Therapeutic Benefit ◽

Humanistic Psychology ◽

Content Type ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Artistic Theory ◽

Creative Artists

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the therapeutic benefits of a community-based creative artists support group. The author is also the participant/facilitator of the group, which has been ongoing for the past eight months. The relevant experiences of three participants in the group have been chosen, to briefly illustrate the diverse kinds of social and therapeutic value that people with creative artistic inclinations may benefit from. Design/methodology/approach – The philosophy of the author's facilitation of this creative artist support group is based upon the humanistic psychology foundations of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, as well as the author's previous work on the relationship of the creative artist to mental disturbance and mental health. Findings – The pragmatic illustrations of therapeutic benefit from participation in this creative artist support group are directly related to the humanistic supportive atmosphere that is described in this paper as a cornerstone of the Artistic Theory of Psychology. Originality/value – This paper is highly original in the context of the author's description of his Artistic Theory of Psychology, which utilizes the foundation for the “successful creative artist” as being successful in both one's chosen artistic realm as well as making a satisfactory adjustment to day-to-day life. It should also be noted that this paper has been written in the context of a “brief case study” as discussed in August 2013 with the Journal of Public Mental Health editor.

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Recovery colleges: long-term impact and mechanisms of change

Mental Health and Social Inclusion ◽

10.1108/mhsi-01-2021-0002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Holly Thompson ◽

Laura Simonds ◽

Sylvie Barr ◽

Sara Meddings

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Lived Experience ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Evidence Base ◽

College Attendance ◽

Personal Recovery ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Educational Paradigm ◽

Long Term Impact

Purpose Recovery Colleges are an innovative approach which adopt an educational paradigm and use clinician and lived experience to support students with their personal recovery. They demonstrate recovery-orientated practice and their transformative role has been evidenced within mental health services. The purpose of this study is to explore how past students understand the influence of the Recovery College on their on-going recovery journey. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory, qualitative design was used and semi-structured interviews took place with 15 participants. Data was analysed using the “framework method” and inductive processes. Findings All participants discussed gains made following Recovery College attendance that were sustained at one year follow-up. Three themes emerged from the data: Ethos of recovery and equality; Springboard to opportunities; and Intrapersonal changes. Originality/value This research explores students’ experiences a year after attendance. This contrasts to most research which is completed immediately post course. This study contributes to the emergent evidence base highlighting the longitudinal positive impact of Recovery Colleges. This study is of value to those interested in recovery-oriented models within mental health. Recovery Colleges are gaining traction nationally and internationally and this research highlights processes underlying this intervention which is of importance to those developing new Recovery Colleges.

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Informal mental health patients: what are they told of their legal rights?

Mental Health Review Journal ◽

10.1108/mhrj-09-2016-0019 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 51-62

Author(s):

Russell Ashmore ◽

Neil Carver

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Good Practice ◽

Public Access ◽

Legal Rights ◽

Freedom Of Information ◽

Freedom Of Information Act ◽

Content Type ◽

Freedom Of Movement ◽

Information Leaflets ◽

Written Information

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine what written information is given to informally admitted patients in England and Wales regarding their legal rights in relation to freedom of movement and treatment. Design/methodology/approach Information leaflets were obtained by a search of all National Health Service mental health trust websites in England and health boards in Wales and via a Freedom of Information Act 2000 request. Data were analysed using content analysis. Findings Of the 61 organisations providing inpatient care, 27 provided written information in the form of a leaflet. Six provided public access to the information leaflets via their website prior to admission. Although the majority of leaflets were accurate the breadth and depth of the information varied considerably. Despite a common legal background there was confusion and inconsistency in the use of the terms informal and voluntary as well as inconsistency regarding freedom of movement, the right to refuse treatment and discharge against medical advice. Research limitations/implications The research has demonstrated the value of Freedom of Information Act 2000 requests in obtaining data. Further research should explore the effectiveness of informing patients of their rights from their perspective. Practical implications Work should be undertaken to establish a consensus of good practice in this area. Information should be consistent, accurate and understandable. Originality/value This is the only research reporting on the availability and content of written information given to informal patients about their legal rights.

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Investigating the barriers and facilitators to implementing mental health first aid in the workplace: a qualitative study

The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice ◽

10.1108/jmhtep-12-2019-0064 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Melanie Jay Narayanasamy ◽

Louise Thomson ◽

Carol Coole ◽

Fiona Nouri ◽

Avril Drummond

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Good Practice ◽

First Aid ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Successful Implementation ◽

Mental Health First Aid ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Content Type ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Employee Characteristics

Purpose There has been little research into the use and efficacy of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) across UK workplaces. This paper aims to investigate the implementation of MHFA across six UK organisations, identifying key barriers and facilitators. Design/methodology/approach Twenty-seven workplace representatives were recruited from six organisations through purposive sampling and took part in semi-structured interviews exploring their experiences of workplace MHFA. The data underwent thematic analysis, identifying key themes around implementation. Findings Implementation varied across organisations, including different reasons for initial interest in the programme, and variable ways that MHFA-trained employees operated post-training. Key barriers to successful implementation included negative attitudes around mental health, the perception that MHFA roles were onerous, and employees’ reluctance to engage in the MHFA programme. Successful implementation was perceived to be based on individual qualities of MHFA instructors and good practice demonstrated by trained individuals in the workplace. The role of the inner organisational setting and employee characteristics were further highlighted as barriers and facilitators to effective implementation. Research limitations/implications MHFA is a complex intervention, presenting in different ways when implemented into complex workplace settings. As such, traditional evaluation methods may not be appropriate for gaining insights into its effectiveness. Future evaluations of workplace MHFA must consider the complexity of implementing and operationalising this intervention in the workplace. Originality/value This study is the first to highlight the factors affecting successful implementation of MHFA across a range of UK workplaces.

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Telemental health

Oxford Textbook of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1093/med/9780198792994.003.0056 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 531-538 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maryann Waugh ◽

Matthew Mishkind ◽

Jay H. Shore

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Public Mental Health ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Physical Distance ◽

Telemental Health ◽

System P

Telemental health is a term for health care that leverages audio and video telecommunications technologies such as video-teleconferencing, computers, mobile devices, the Internet, telephones, and broadband connectivity to provide mental health services across time and physical distance. Telemental health has the capacity to make a significant and positive impact on public mental health by its ability to not only increase access to care, but also more effectively tailor mental health services to individual or community-wide healthcare needs. This chapter describes ways that telemental health is currently being used to impact mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment, summarizes the evidence base for these applications, and highlights some practical considerations for providers and systems implementing this newer virtual care delivery system.

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Rethinking mental health provision in the secure estate for children and young people: a framework for integrated care (SECURE STAIRS)

Safer Communities ◽

10.1108/sc-07-2018-0019 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 17 (4) ◽

pp. 193-201 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jenny Taylor ◽

Lisa Shostak ◽

Andrew Rogers ◽

Paul Mitchell

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Content Type ◽

Theoretical Concepts ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Care Plans ◽

Trauma Informed Care ◽

Assessment And Treatment ◽

Trauma Informed

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the challenges to achieving positive outcomes for young people within the secure estate in England, and introduces a psychologically informed framework, SECURE STAIRS (SS), aimed at improving outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The paper argues that there is a need for a fundamental shift in the way care and intervention for young people within the secure estate is delivered. It gives an overview of current challenges and needs and summarises the theoretical concepts and evidence base which can guide practice and form the foundations of the SS framework. Findings The framework recommends that intervention shift from focussing primarily on individual assessment and treatment to a greater emphasis on supporting the work of the wider system of care. Recommendations include promoting trauma-informed care, a focus on the system dynamics within institutions and how these impact on the care young people receive, and on the collaborative development with residential staff and young people of formulation-led care plans that include a focus on issues of sustainability after leaving the secure estate. Practical implications These include the establishment of discrete residential groupings with truly integrated and trauma-informed work across residential, mental health, education and criminal justice agencies. This involves addressing governance issues around shared record keeping, and challenges to sustainability and the accompanying need for local implementation plans for each establishment alongside central support at a strategic level. Originality/value This paper describes a new and innovative way of working within secure settings to ensure children and young people’s needs are better met.

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