Applying the theory of planned behaviour to understand mental health professionals’ intentions to work using a human rights-based approach in acute inpatient settings

Abstract

Background There has been a shift to implement human rights-based approaches in acute mental health care due to increasing concerns around quality of care. National Health Service (NHS) Trusts have a legal duty to uphold a person’s human rights, therefore it is important to understand what any barriers might be. Using psychological theory may help to develop this understanding. Aim To test whether the theory of planned behaviour can be an effective model in understanding mental health professionals’ intentions to work using a human rights-based approach. Method Participants were recruited from two NHS Trusts in the North West of England. A cross-sectional, survey design was used to examine mental health professionals’ intentions to use human rights-based approaches. Results Multiple regression analyses were performed on the theory of planned behaviour constructs showing that attitude and subjective norm significantly predicted intention. Perceived behavioural control did not add any significant variance, nor any demographic variables. Conclusion There could be factors outside of the individual clinician’s control to fully work within a human rights-based framework on acute mental health wards. The theory of planned behaviour offers some understanding, however further development work into measuring human rights outcomes on acute mental health wards is needed.