Compassionate Mental Health Research Articles

Perceived compassionate care and associated factors among patients with mental illness at Tibebe Ghion specialized and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundCompassion is the first ethical principle of health care to provide high- quality care that influences patient satisfaction and treatment outcome. However, there is limited data on the level of compassionate mental health care practice in low-resource countries like Ethiopia.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the level of perceived compassionate care and associated factors among patients with mental illness at Tibebe Ghion specialized and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2022.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 18 to July 16, 2022, at Tibebe Ghion Specialized and Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used. The level of perceived compassionate care was assessed by the validated 12-item Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale among 423 patients with mental illness. Epicollect-5 was used to collect data, which was then exported to the Statistical Product and Service solution version 25 for analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.05, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare significant variables at the multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultThe level of perceived good compassionate care was 47.5% (95% CI 42.6%-52.4%). Factors including urban residence (AOR = 1.90; 95%CI 1.08–3.36), duration of illness < 24 months (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.27–5.65), strong social support (AOR = 4.43; 95%CI 2.16–9.10), shared decision making (AOR = 3.93; 95% CI 2.27–6.81), low perceived stigma(AOR = 2.97; 95% CI 1.54–5.72) and low patient anticipated stigma (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI 1.56–5.48) were positively associated with good compassionate care.Conclusion and recommendationLess than half of the patients had received good compassionate care. Compassionate mental health care needs public health attention. Policymakers should emphasize on compassionate care continuity by including it in the health care curriculum and design appropriate policies to strengthen compassionate care.

Compassionate Mental Health Radically connecting minds for mental health

Compassionate Mental Health Radically connecting minds for mental health

Perceptions of gay black men on the social construction of masculinity and its role in mental health

Introduction: The meaning and experience of masculinity differs across people and groups, and previous research has demonstrated that such differences are reflected in mental health outcomes. For gay Black men situated at the intersection of identifying as both a sexual minority and a racial minority, navigating the norms and expectations associated with masculinity often presents many challenges. Methodology: This phenomenological study explored how 17 gay Black men ranging in age from 26 to 67 years, who live in a major city in the southeastern region of the United States, define, understand, and experience masculinity, as well as their perceptions about its connection to their mental health and well-being. Results: Participant narratives reflected a strong consensus that masculinity is a social construction that is associated with a range of both limiting and liberating characteristics and experiences, and that has strong implications for mental health. Conclusions: Increased awareness and understanding of the relevance of a masculine identity to the mental health and well-being of gay Black men can help provide more appropriate and more compassionate mental health programs and services that are likely to promote service utilization among members of this community.

How Does Law Support Compassionate Mental Health Practice?

Compassion has long been a bulwark of mental health law. Civil commitment, guardianship, mandated clinical intervention, diversion courts, involuntary medication, insanity defenses, and aid-in-sentencing evaluations are all elements of compassionate mental health practice. Parens patriae (the state as parent) and the least restrictive alternative are the specific concepts supporting therapeutic intention and purpose and are particularly relevant in cases in which force may be needed in the course of a patient's care. This article considers how using law compassionately can be evident even in forced clinical interventions.

Compassion in mental health: a literature review

Purpose This paper aims to systematically review the current literature on compassion in mental health from a historical, service user and carer (SUAC)/academic researcher perspective with respect to the current paradigm/biomedical model. Design/methodology/approach Searches were conducted in CIANHL Complete, Academic Search Complete, British Education Index, ERIC, MEDLINE, PsycArticles, Scorpus, Proquest Central using a simplified PRISM approach. Findings In the UK, the SUAC-movement facilitated the adoption of more compassionate mental health in statutory services. Across the world, compassion-based approaches may be viewed as beneficial, especially to those experiencing a biomedical model “treatment”. Health-care workers, suffering burnout and fatigue during neoliberal economics, benefit from compassion training, both in their practice and personally. Randomised control trials (RCTs) demonstrate compassion-type interventions are effective, given sufficient intervention timing, duration and design methodology. Psychology creates outcome measures of adequacies and deficiencies in compassion, demonstrating their importance statistically, with reservations. The effective protection of mental health by self-compassion in both SUACs and health care professionals is evident. It is clear from qualitative research that SUACs prefer compassionate mental health. It also makes a large difference to mental health in general populations. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are given, including a necessity to fund RCTs comparing compassionate mental health interventions with the biomedical model. Unless statutory mental health services adopt this emerging evidence base, medics and their SUACs will continue to rely on pharmaceuticals. Originality/value This is the first integrated literature review of compassion in mental health from a historical, SUAC/academic researcher viewpoint using all research methodologies.

Delivery of Compassionate Mental Health Care in a Digital Technology-Driven Age: Scoping Review.

BackgroundCompassion is a vital component to the achievement of positive health outcomes, particularly in mental health care. The rise of digital technologies may influence the delivery of compassionate care, and thus this relationship between compassion and digital health care needs to be better understood.ObjectiveThis scoping review aimed to identify existing digital technologies being used by patients and health professionals in the delivery of mental health care, understand how digital technologies are being used in the delivery of compassionate mental health care, and determine the facilitators of and barriers to digital technology use among patients and health professionals in the delivery of compassionate mental health care.MethodsWe conducted this scoping review through a search of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), MEDLINE In-Process and EPub Ahead of Print, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for articles published from 1990 to 2019.ResultsOf the 4472 articles screened, 37 articles were included for data extraction. Telemedicine was the most widely used technology by mental health professionals. Digital technologies were described as facilitating compassionate care and were classified using a conceptual model to identify each digital intersection with compassionate care. Facilitators of and barriers to providing compassionate care through digital technology were identified, including increased safety for providers, health care professional perceptions and abilities, and the use of picture-in-picture feedback to evaluate social cues.ConclusionsImplementing digital technology into mental health care can improve the current delivery of compassionate care and create novel ways to provide compassion. However, as this is a new area of study, mental health professionals and organizations alike should be mindful that compassionate human-centered care is maintained in the delivery of digital health care. Future research could develop tools to facilitate and evaluate the enactment of compassion within digital health care.

The Attempt Was My Own! Suicide Attempt Survivors Respond to an Australian Community-Based Suicide Exposure Survey.

Those who attempt suicide have often been overlooked in the suicide prevention literature. Where stories of lived experience have been included, it is often from the perspectives of healthcare professionals who treat the physical and/or psychological impacts following an attempt, rather than firsthand accounts. Yet, the most intimate insights of suicide are lost by not including the voices of those with lived experience of suicide attempt. Through an online, community-based, non-representative survey exploring the impact of exposure to suicide, a sub-sample of 88 participants responded who reported their exposure to suicide as being their own attempt. The survey covered demographic information, questions assessing exposure to suicide attempts and death, current global psychological distress via the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) Scale, and short qualitative responses provided by 46 participants. The qualitative data was thematically analysed resulting in three themes; the way in which individuals experienced being suicidal; who they were able, or not, to disclose these intentions to—before and after their suicide attempt; and, how these people experienced the formal and informal health care supports available to them to assist with their suicidal crisis. This paper presents important findings from a sample of participants who are highly distressed, and have previously attempted to take their own lives. This adds depth to our understanding of lived experience of suicide attempt, issues associated with seeking appropriate support after suicide attempt, and also demonstrates a willingness of participants to share their stories, even in a study that did not explicitly target those with lived experience of suicide attempt. The need for consistent and compassionate mental health care after a suicide attempt is identified as a vital component of living well after a suicide attempt.

Delivery of compassionate mental health care in a digital technology-driven age: protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionAs digital technologies become an integral part of mental health care delivery, concerns have risen regarding how this technology may detract from health professionals’ ability to provide compassionate care. To...

Emerging adult identity following adolescent experiences with psychotropic medications: A retrospective study

ABSTRACTThis study examines the perceptions of mental illness identity among a group of emerging adults based on their retrospective experiences with diagnoses and psychotropic medication use during their earlier formative adolescent years. A short questionnaire was administered via online social media platforms to volunteers between the ages of 19 and 30 and who self-identified as having taken psychotropic medication between the ages of 12 and 18 (N = 46). Correlation analysis revealed that several variables were associated with a stronger illness identity, including participant’s happiness with their medication experiences, the belief that medication made them more like their “true” selves, and the belief that their diagnosis was accurate. Content analysis of participant narratives suggested themes related to discontinuation and barriers to adherence. These results contribute to the growing knowledge base around lived experiences of psychiatric medication use and suggest further study on how to advance more informed and compassionate mental health care.

MINDing the gap: Service users’ perspectives of the differences in mental health care between statutory and non-statutory organisations

IntroductionIn the UK, almost 50% of illness diagnosed among working age adults is mental distress, depression and chronic anxiety being the two most prevalent illnesses. However, only 24% of those diagnosed receive appropriate interventions within the National Health Service (NHS). In light of this, third sector organisations, such as MIND, are left to fill the gap in providing therapeutic care. This paper reports on an evaluative study of what Mind offers as opposed to statutory services from a service user perspective.AimAn exploration of the differences in mental health care between statutory and non-statutory organisations.ObjectivesTo identify how service users experienced MIND's counselling service. To establish the benefits and disadvantages of mental health care within statutory and non-statutory services. To identify the impact of mental health care from non-statutory services.MethodThis qualitative research project, adopted a case study approach. Using one to one narrative interviews, data from 12 participants, five males and seven females were collected. Following transcription, each narrative was analysed individually, with thematic analysis being used across all 12 interviews.ResultsSix themes were identified; mindful of the gap; easing like sunday morning; magic moments; love is in the air; lighting up a future and changing the status quo.ConclusionMind plays a significant role in enabling those with psychological problems to move towards building a better future. Findings suggest statutory services can learn important lessons from non-statutory organisations not least how best to provide cohesive, collaborative and compassionate mental health care for those in distress.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A rapid appraisal of the status of mental health support in post-rape care services in the Western Cape

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Despite the well-known impact of rape on mental health and the widespread problem of rape in South Africa, mental health services for rape victims are scant and not a priority for acute-phase services. Survivors encounter multiple mental health struggles in this period including adherence to the post-exposure prophylaxis drugs to prevent HIV and finding support from important others. We have little information on what mental health is provided, by whom and how it is integrated into the post-rape package of care.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aim:&lt;/strong&gt; The aim of the study was to do a rapid appraisal of mental health services for rape survivors to gain a better understanding of the current acute and long-term (secondary) mental health services. Method: We conducted a qualitative study using a rapid assessment with a purposive sample of 14 rape survivors and 43 service providers recruited from post-rape sexual assault services in urban and rural Western Cape Province. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations of survivor sessions with counsellors, nurses and doctors. The data were coded thematically for analysis.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Survivors of rape experienced a range of emotional difficulties and presented varying levels of distress and various levels of coping. Receiving support and care from others assisted them, but the poor integration of mental health within post-rape services meant few received formal mental health support or effective referrals. Multiple factors contributed to the poor integration: mental health was not given the same level of priority as other rape services (i.e. clinical care, including forensic management), the inadequate capacity of service providers to provide mental healthcare, including mental health illiteracy, the lack of continuity of care, the poor linkages to ongoing mental healthcare, and the mental health challenges caused by vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Providing effective, compassionate mental health services should be seen as essential components of post-rape care. The strengthening of support for providers and linkages to ongoing mental healthcare are essential to improve mental health services within acute post-rape services.&lt;/p&gt;

A rapid appraisal of the status of mental health support in post-rape care services in the Western Cape

Background: Despite the well-known impact of rape on mental health and the widespread problem of rape in South Africa, mental health services for rape victims are scant and not a priority for acute-phase services. Survivors encounter multiple mental health struggles in this period including adherence to the post-exposure prophylaxis drugs to prevent HIV and finding support from important others. We have little information on what mental health is provided, by whom and how it is integrated into the post-rape package of care.Aim: The aim of the study was to do a rapid appraisal of mental health services for rape survivors to gain a better understanding of the current acute and long-term (secondary) mental health services. Method: We conducted a qualitative study using a rapid assessment with a purposive sample of 14 rape survivors and 43 service providers recruited from post-rape sexual assault services in urban and rural Western Cape Province. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations of survivor sessions with counsellors, nurses and doctors. The data were coded thematically for analysis.Results: Survivors of rape experienced a range of emotional difficulties and presented varying levels of distress and various levels of coping. Receiving support and care from others assisted them, but the poor integration of mental health within post-rape services meant few received formal mental health support or effective referrals. Multiple factors contributed to the poor integration: mental health was not given the same level of priority as other rape services (i.e. clinical care, including forensic management), the inadequate capacity of service providers to provide mental healthcare, including mental health illiteracy, the lack of continuity of care, the poor linkages to ongoing mental healthcare, and the mental health challenges caused by vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.Conclusion: Providing effective, compassionate mental health services should be seen as essential components of post-rape care. The strengthening of support for providers and linkages to ongoing mental healthcare are essential to improve mental health services within acute post-rape services.

A rapid appraisal of the status of mental health support in post-rape care services in the Western Cape.

BackgroundDespite the well-known impact of rape on mental health and the widespread problem of rape in South Africa, mental health services for rape victims are scant and not a priority for acute-phase services. Survivors encounter multiple mental health struggles in this period including adherence to the post-exposure prophylaxis drugs to prevent HIV and finding support from important others. We have little information on what mental health is provided, by whom and how it is integrated into the post-rape package of care.AimThe aim of the study was to do a rapid appraisal of mental health services for rape survivors to gain a better understanding of the current acute and long-term (secondary) mental health services.MethodWe conducted a qualitative study using a rapid assessment with a purposive sample of 14 rape survivors and 43 service providers recruited from post-rape sexual assault services in urban and rural Western Cape Province. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations of survivor sessions with counsellors, nurses and doctors. The data were coded thematically for analysis.ResultsSurvivors of rape experienced a range of emotional difficulties and presented varying levels of distress and various levels of coping. Receiving support and care from others assisted them, but the poor integration of mental health within post-rape services meant few received formal mental health support or effective referrals. Multiple factors contributed to the poor integration: mental health was not given the same level of priority as other rape services (i.e. clinical care, including forensic management), the inadequate capacity of service providers to provide mental healthcare, including mental health illiteracy, the lack of continuity of care, the poor linkages to ongoing mental healthcare, and the mental health challenges caused by vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.ConclusionProviding effective, compassionate mental health services should be seen as essential components of post-rape care. The strengthening of support for providers and linkages to ongoing mental healthcare are essential to improve mental health services within acute post-rape services.

Practical compassions: repertoires of practice and compassion talk in acute mental healthcare

This article reports an exploratory study of the concept of compassion in the work of 20 mental health practitioners in a UK Midlands facility. Using notions of practice derived from phenomenology and Bourdieusian sociology and notions of emotional labour we identify two contrasting interpretive repertoires in discussions of compassion. The first, the practical compassion repertoire, evokes the practical, physical and bodily aspects of compassion. It involves organising being with patients, playing games, anticipating disruption and taking them outside for cigarettes. Practitioners described being aware that these practical, bodily activities could lead to patients 'opening up', disclosing their interior concerns and enabling practical, compassionate mental health work to take place. In contrast, the second, organisational repertoire, concerns organisational constraints on compassionate practice. The shortage of staff, the record-keeping and internal processes of quality control were seen as time-greedy and apt to detract from contact with patients. The findings are discussed in relation to Bourdieu and Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological accounts of practice and habit and set in context in the growing interest in placing compassion centrally in healthcare. We also explore how the exercise of compassion in the way our participants describe it can afford the more effective exercise of medical power.

Compassionate mental health care for persons with HIV and AIDS. Grady HIV/AIDS Mental Health Program, Grady Health System Infectious Disease Program and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.

Compassionate mental health care for persons with HIV and AIDS. Grady HIV/AIDS Mental Health Program, Grady Health System Infectious Disease Program and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta.