Maximising resilience resources for mental healthcare staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-53
Author(s):  
Nicole S. Gevaux ◽  
Stephanie Petty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate optimal resources to promote resilience in staff working in inpatient mental health services. The study also provides an example of card sorting methodology used as an efficient way to identify the most helpful resources for resilience. Design/methodology/approach In total, 25 clinical staff participated in the study. A preliminary focus group and brief literature search identified resources used in two tasks. Two card sorting tasks identified resources participants found helpful vs unhelpful and abundant vs scarce, and resources they would find valuable to use more often. Findings The results indicate that most resources helpful to resilience and available to staff were personal resources (relating to positive outlooks or ways of working), whereas resources valuable to resilience but scarce in the working environment were organisational resources (relating to management or social workplace culture). Resources found to not be valuable to resilience were largely personal tangible resources (e.g. smoking, massages). Practical implications The findings and method may be generalisable to other mental health services, giving insight into promoting resilience within individuals and organisations. This information could serve as guidelines to streamline the allocation of organisational resources to best promote resilience across various mental health settings. Originality/value Staff resilience to working in mental health services contributes to high-quality, sustainable patient care. This study provides further insight into how personal and organisational resources are both vital to resilience in staff working in highly challenging environments.

scholarly journals A social construction of remission for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-107
Author(s):  
Keith Ford
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Social Construction ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Groups ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a social construction of remission in relation to schizophrenia by the people affected most. The qualitative perspective utilised is a contrast to the majority of papers around, which have been quantitative when addressing the concept of remission for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. This paper acknowledges and demonstrates evidence of listening to the stakeholder groups affected by the issues associated with remission and recovery, and delivers clarity around the phenomena of remission in relation to recovery. Design/methodology/approach A constructivist grounded theory approach was employed, exploring participants’ interpretation of the concept of remission in schizophrenia. A purposive sample, of nine professionals, ten service users and seven carers, was recruited from two community mental health teams in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were employed to yield the data and all interview transcripts were analysed utilising “qualitative codes” thereby defining what is seen in the data. Diagramming and concept mapping was employed. Theoretical sensitivity was applied to demonstrate remission in abstract terms and to illustrate the openness, transparency and intention of the study. Findings The findings resulted in a conceptual map of the themes generated from the data. From this map four possible trajectories were developed, each highlighting a route which could be taken and the issues faced along the way. Positive and negative aspects of the trajectories offer discussion points for service users and practitioners alike to consider in their professional relationship. In addition a representation of the current interplay between recovery and remission is highlighted to offer clarity in relation to present service provision. Research limitations/implications The perspective and opinion from practitioners in Primary Care services was not proposed or included within this study. To gain an improved and realistic insight into this perspective a range of practitioners from primary care could provide valuable data for any future study as this would prove to be a valuable enhancement. This study offered a broad overview of professional groups with the ability to discuss mental health services, although it did not allow for a concentration from specific professional groups and therefore they were not able to fully represent their professional group. Practical implications This paper has illuminated the area of remission for people with schizophrenia and will therefore have practical implications in respect of on-going service development. In particular the interface between primary and secondary services which have struggled to employ consistent terminology serving only to confuse service users and service providers alike. The trajectories illustrated in this study offer clarity and understanding and direction for improved practice to facilitate recovery for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Shared understanding of concepts between service users and providers could be a large move in a positive direction. Social implications The movement of people formerly diagnosed with schizophrenia from secondary mental health services back to primary care may have huge social implications. Resistance, stigma and ignorance play a large part in services “having to” retain people within secondary mental health services. Misunderstandings around diagnosis, and terms such as remission and recovery fuel such confusion resulting in a risk averse position for most. This study clarifies some of the issues in relation to the transition back to society and citizenship for people and offers scope for further research of a qualitative nature too. Originality/value Previous studies around the concept of remission for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia have centred on medication efficacy, utilising remission criteria to determine changes in symptomolotolgy. These quantitative papers have not addressed service users, carers or practitioners in healthcare in relation to their understanding of the term remission, in relation to recovery; or whether they feel it would be of use in clinical practice. This study addressed those issues gaining valuable in-depth data from participants, deriving the social construction of remission and the impact it may have in clinical practice in a non-pathologising perspective.

scholarly journals Carers and co-production: enabling expertise through experience?

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the literature to date which has focused on co-production within mental healthcare in the UK, including service user and carer involvement and collaboration. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents key outcomes from studies which have explicitly attempted to introduce co-produced care in addition to specific tools designed to encourage co-production within mental health services. The paper debates the cultural and ideological shift required for staff, service users and family members to undertake co-produced care and outlines challenges ahead with respect to service redesign and new roles in practice. Findings – Informal carers (family and friends) are recognised as a fundamental resource for mental health service provision, as well as a rich source of expertise through experience, yet their views are rarely solicited by mental health professionals or taken into account during decision making. This issue is considered alongside new policy recommendations which advocate the development of co-produced services and care. Research limitations/implications – Despite the launch of a number of initiatives designed to build on peer experience and support, there has been a lack of attention on the differing dynamic which remains evident between healthcare professionals and people using mental health services. Co-production sheds a light on the blurring of roles, trust and shared endeavour (Slay and Stephens, 2013) but, despite an increase in peer recovery workers across England, there has been little research or service development designed to focus explicitly on this particular dynamic. Practical implications – Despite these challenges, coproduction in mental healthcare represents a real opportunity for the skills and experience of family members to be taken into account and could provide a mechanism to achieve the “triangle of care” with input, recognition and respect given to all (service users, carers, professionals) whose lives are touched by mental distress. However, lack of attention in relation to carer perspectives, expertise and potential involvement could undermine the potential for coproduction to act as a vehicle to encourage person-centred care which accounts for social in addition to clinical factors. Social implications – The families of people with severe and enduring mental illness assume a major responsibility for the provision of care and support to their relatives over extended time periods (Rose et al., 2004). Involving carers in discussions about care planning could help to provide a wider picture about the impact of mental health difficulties, beyond symptom reduction. The “co-production of care” reflects a desire to work meaningfully and fully with service users and carers. However, to date, little work has been undertaken in order to coproduce services through the “triangle of care” with carers bringing their own skills, resources and expertise. Originality/value – This paper debates the current involvement of carers across mental healthcare and debates whether co-production could be a vehicle to utilise carer expertise, enhance quality and satisfaction with mental healthcare. The critique of current work highlights the danger of increasing expectations on service providers to undertake work aligned to key initiatives (shared decision-making, person-centred care, co-production), that have common underpinning principles but, in the absence of practical guidance, could be addressed in isolation rather than as an integrated approach within a “triangle of care”.

How does enforcement of smoke free grounds in acute mental health settings sit with “recovery” focused practice? A personal view

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-55
Author(s):  
Di Hurley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Personal View ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mental Health Settings ◽  
Narrative Account

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline, from the perspective of someone involved in smoking cessation, concerns about the intention to make all hospital grounds “smoke free”. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes the form of a narrative account. Findings – Reflective account offering a personal point of view – no findings presented. Originality/value – An important viewpoint relating to an issue of great concern to many people working in and using mental health services.

Assessing organizational culture in public mental healthcare service organizations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Prodromou ◽  
George Papageorgiou
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Organizational Culture ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Mental Health Services

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate aspects of organizational culture among the nursing staff of public mental health services organizations in Cyprus. Specifically, highlights are provided of possible differences on the attitudes of nurses regarding actual and desired aspects of organizational culture with respect to demographic characteristics such as gender, years of service and experience.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive explanatory type survey study was conducted in all public mental health services organizations of Cyprus. Specifically, a questionnaire was given to a representative sample of the nursing population, and data were collected and analyzed. The survey questionnaire was based on the organizational culture profile (OCP) methodology. Statistical analysis was carried out using correlational analysis, t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsResults showed that there are significant discrepancies between the actual organizational culture and what is desired by staff members of public mental health services organizations in Cyprus. Further, significant differences are identified between actual and desired organizational culture moderated by the type of work, which is determined by the workplace.Originality/valueEven though, organizational culture is a major research topic little has been done in the context of public mental healthcare organizations. Further, for the case of Cyprus, it is the first time that such a study is carried out. The results presented in this paper may provide the foundation for measures to be taken for improving the existing operation of public mental healthcare organizations.

Remarkable lives: Stacey Withington in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey Withington ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Gift ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Stacey Withington. Design/methodology/approach In this case study, Stacey provides a short account of her life and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Stacey details how she was able to transform her life, despite the traumas experienced in her life. Research limitations/implications Although many of us will not have experienced the difficulties that Stacey has, we are all able to empathise with her story. We now have the gift of her story, to borrow the phrase from Dr Julie Leibrich (Leibrich, 1999). Practical implications How many times must people complain about the delay in accessing counselling and mental health services before something is done to tackle the problem? Social implications A mother, a partner and a son, backed up by wonderful tutors and friends, helped Stacey find the strength and talent that she possessed within. Originality/value Stacey is the first person featured in this series to be called a SHEro. In truth and as Patricia Deegan has stated, “try and see the person with mental health problems that you are working with as a hero” (Deegan, 1996). As Pat also says, “Could you have survived what that person has survived?” Stacey has not just survived, she is now flourishing!

Remarkable lives: Shaun Hunt in conversation with Jerome Carson

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Hunt ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Shaun Hunt. Design/methodology/approach Shaun provides a short biographical description of his life. Shaun is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Shaun tells us about the long journey of recovery that he has made to the point where he is now a University Lecturer. Research limitations/implications In large group studies the individual gets lost in statistical tables and the lived experience is absent. Single case studies provide us with stories to nurture and encourage us all. Practical implications Shaun says that we often miss the obvious question in our interactions with people with lived experience. “What happened to you?” seems a simple but telling conversation opener. Social implications As Shaun says there are some amazing people who work in mental health services, but they are the ones who spoke to him and not to a “schizophrenic”. Originality/value As Shaun also says, “Never, ever give up hope, no matter how dark and bad things become, there is always a way back”.

Military veterans’ experiences of NHS mental health services

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Local Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Template Analysis ◽  
The Military ◽  
Improve Patient

Purpose A significant minority of veterans have poor mental health outcomes but their needs are not always well managed by the NHS. The purpose of this paper is to explore veterans’ experiences of NHS mental healthcare in Norfolk and Suffolk to identify ways of improving services. Design/methodology/approach Interviews were conducted with 30 veterans. Template analysis was undertaken to explore key themes in the interview transcripts. Findings Participants were reluctant to seek help but were more likely to engage with a veteran-specific service. Those whose symptoms were military related reported better experiences when accessing treatment that was military sensitive. Research limitations/implications This was a local study and the findings do not necessarily reflect the views of the wider veteran community. Most participants who received military sensitive treatment were referred to the study by NHS providers, which could account for their positive feedback. Social implications The development of dedicated mental health services may encourage more veterans to seek support, helping to improve patient outcomes. There is a need for further research to determine the effectiveness of dedicated services and identify how they should be deployed. Originality/value Where academic interest has generally centred on the aetiology of mental health conditions within the military, this study focussed upon service user experience. The findings contributed to NHS England’s recent decision to extend its network of dedicated services in 12 areas of the country to cover veterans across England from April 2017.

Mind your language!

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Ann Gilfoyle
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Traditional Medical Model ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Discussion Topic

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore what is meant by the term recovery language and the use of mental health language in today’s society. Design/methodology/approach This paper is an exploration of the use of recovery language and the application in modern day mental health services. Findings The language that is used to describe mental health is often based on a traditional medical model primarily focussing on diagnosis, symptoms and problems. This is a stark difference to the modern day use of recovery orientated language. Practical implications This paper can be used as a discussion topic in teams to explore themes around recovery language. Originality/value This paper explores issues of language in mental health that are central to recovery and the development of recovery-focussed services.

To what extent does Sussex Recovery College reflect its community? An equalities and diversity audit

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Meddings ◽  
Lucy Walsh ◽  
Louise Patmore ◽  
Katie Louise Emily McKenzie ◽  
Sophie Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Sexual Orientation ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
General Population ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore whether one Recovery College reflects its community. Design/methodology/approach Recovery College students’ demographics and protected characteristics were compared with the general population and the population of people using local mental health services. Findings Recovery College students were representative of the local community in terms of ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation. Fewer Recovery College students were over 60 years old or men. Practical implications Recovery Colleges may be more accessible to people who are often under-served and under-represented in mainstream mental health services, including people from BAME backgrounds and people who identify as LGBT. Recovery Colleges may need to engage more men and more older people. Recovery Colleges aim to be inclusive and open to all but need to ensure that this is a reality in practice. Originality/value This is the first study to explore who accesses Recovery Colleges and whether they are inclusive and open to all.

The ghettoization of persons with severe mental illnesses

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Laura Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Mental Health Research ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Support Worker ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the reflections of a person with lived experience of a severe mental illness (SMI) and former peer support worker in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, who has also worked for seven years in mental health research. It describes a tendency of resources and services to create ghettos of people with SMIs by failing to support the integration of people with SMIs into the community at large or in exploring options for meaningful, fulfilling occupation, reinforcing social exclusion and ghettoization. Design/methodology/approach This paper shows a reflective and narrative account of personal experiences and observations of the ghettoizing tendency in mental health services. Findings Mental healthcare professionals tend to support people with SMIs in engaging activities within resources for the mentally ill, and not in carrying out activities in the community at large. The range of activities offered is limited, an obstacle to finding meaningful, fulfilling occupation. Harmful psychological effects include self-stigma, low self-esteem and a sense of marginalization, generating a ghettoized mentality. The difficulties encountered in an effort to leave the mental health ghetto are touched on with examples of how to overcome them. Practical implications The need for professional support for social integration of people with SMIs is identified, which could ultimately favor social inclusion of people with SMIs. Originality/value It is written from the perspective of a user and provider of mental health services, who also has seven years’ experience in mental health research.

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