Role In Mental Health Care Research Articles

Mental Health Awareness and Counseling Practice of Jamaican Clergy: An Exploratory Study.

Clergy play a vital role in mental health care in Jamaica but little is known about their mental health awareness and practices. Thirty five Anglican and Baptist clergy were compared to 24 helping professionals and 67 community members using purposive sampling. Clergy's awareness exists with spiritualized beliefs about the etiology of mental illness as well as with effective and unethical counseling practices. Findings indicate the need for more training in mental health sensitization and practice.

Exploring the impact of suicide care experiences and post-intervention supports sought among community pharmacists: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThere is a need to appropriately train, support and remunerate pharmacists for their expanding roles in mental healthcare. Pharmacists often care for people experiencing mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts and behaviours, but little is known about pharmacists’ suicide care experiences.AimThis cross-sectional study aimed to explore the impact of professional experiences with people at risk of suicide and support accessed, among community pharmacists.MethodA survey exploring pharmacists’ experiences with people at risk of suicide and post-intervention support-seeking was disseminated through Australian and Canadian professional associations, conferences and social media (June 2016-May 2017). Quantitative data were analysed using Chi-squared, Fisher’s exact and independent t-tests, where appropriate. Qualitative data exploring the impact of these experiences were thematically analysed, and reasons for not seeking help post-intervention were identified.ResultsAmong 378 respondents, 84% had encountered patients at risk of suicide and 28% had lost patients to suicide. Some were negatively affected personally and/or professionally (11%), of which 88% did not seek professional support, mainly due to uncertainty about available services. Pharmacists were significantly more negatively affected if they had a personal mental health diagnosis (p = 0.017) and previous suicide care experiences (p = 0.001). Qualitative themes included: expanding knowledge and skills, role limitation and emotional impact and response.ConclusionA large proportion of pharmacists have interacted with suicidal patients and are impacted by these experiences, yet few seek help due to lack of awareness and access. There is a need to recognize pharmacists’ roles in suicide care, and develop pharmacist-specific post-intervention support.

Developing mental health education: “It is a subject where most pharmacists [or pharmacy] students have no more knowledge than the general public”

Abstract Introduction With one quarter of people in the UK reporting a mental health problem, pharmacists have a vital role in mental health care. We previously explored pharmacy students’ views on the value of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in preparing them to provide mental health care. (1) Within the questionnaire, students were given opportunity to discuss their experiences of mental health teaching and learning. The large amount of rich data generated lent itself to separate qualitative analysis. Aim To understand the main themes in pharmacy students’ reflections on mental health and pharmacy. Methods An anonymous, online questionnaire was distributed in February 2020.The original aim was to establish the attitudes and experiences of pharmacy students (n=232) in the UK and Ireland in relation to Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA). Students across all year groups in the MPharm were invited, and 70% of respondents were in year 3 or 4. Students from eighteen universities responded, of which 80% were female. (1) Participants were also asked open questions to enable explanation and further expansion on their answers both about MHFA and about mental health and pharmacy generally. Comments ranged from short phrases to full paragraphs. These data were analysed by two authors (HG and HM), following Thematic Analysis as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2) and adopting an interpretivist approach. Authors read and re-read open comments to develop understanding of the main themes discussed when students reflected on MH teaching, their own learning and the anticipated value of this in professional practice. To ensure rigour, the authors initially undertook their analysis separately and then agreed on the themes which best described the data. A third author, JS, reviewed the coding, agreed the proposed themes and revised subthemes. Results The identified themes were i) Mental health is important; ii) Pharmacists’ role and iii) So, teach me. Overall, students identified that ‘mental health is extremely important and often overlooked’. Most identified that pharmacists have a central role in mental health support and that mental health ‘needs to have a more important place in pharmacy than it does at the moment’. Students highlighted ‘concern[s] about communicating with mental health patients’ and managing ‘difficult situations’. They wanted to learn more about mental health and wanted this embedded across curricula. There was a fourth, crosscutting theme: stigma. Participants acknowledged the existence of stigma but felt it was reducing. Data included examples of othering, referring to people with mental illness as ‘them’ not ‘us’. Conclusion This study is the most contemporary, pan-university study of mental health in MPharm curricula in recent times. The potential for bias, given participants elected to engage in a questionnaire about MHFA was something borne in mind during analysis. Pharmacy students identified mental health to be an important aspect of health, where stigma still exits. Students recognised their potential future contribution in mental healthcare. It requires focus in pharmacy degrees which could ultimately support increasing pharmacists’ involvement in mental health. References (1) Gorton, H.C., Macfarlane, H., Edwards, R. et al. UK and Ireland survey of MPharm student and staff experiences of mental health curricula, with a focus on Mental Health First Aid. J of Pharm Policy and Pract14, 73 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40545-021-00364-1 (2) Braun V, Clarke V. Successful Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide For Beginners. London: Sage; 2013.

Generational Perspectives on Technology's Role in Mental Health Care: A Survey of Adults With Lived Mental Health Experience.

IntroductionPersonal technology (e.g., smartphones, wearable health devices) has been leveraged extensively for mental health purposes, with upwards of 20,000 mobile applications on the market today and has been considered an important implementation strategy to overcome barriers many people face in accessing mental health care. The main question yet to be addressed is the role consumers feel technology should play in their care. One underserved demographic often ignored in this discussion are people over the age of 60. The population of adults 60 and older is predicted to double by 2,050 signaling a need to address how older adults view technology for their mental health care.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to better understand why digital mental health tools are not as broadly adopted as predicted, what role people with lived mental health experience feel technology should play in their care and how those results compare across age groups.MethodIn a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed results from a one-time cross-sectional survey that included 998 adults aged 18–83 with lived experience of mental health concerns recruited from Prolific, an online research platform. We surveyed participant's use of technology including their perspectives on using technology in conjunction with their mental health care. We asked participants about their previous use of digital mental health tools, their treatment preferences for mental health care, and the role technology should play in their mental health care.ResultsAcross all age groups, respondents had favorable views of using digital mental health for managing mental health care. However, older adults rated their acceptability of digital mental health tools lower than middle-aged and younger adults. When asked what role technology should play in mental health care in an open-ended response, most participants responded that technology should play a complementary role in mental health care (723/954, 75.8%).ConclusionDigital mental health is seen as a valuable care management tool across all age groups, but preferences for its role in care remain largely administrative and supportive. Future development of digital mental health should reflect these preferences.

Exploring Mental Health Presentations in Remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia Using an Audit and File Reviews.

The study aims to explore the role of mental health care in remote Aboriginal health services in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and provide a more nuanced understanding of the patients presenting for care, their needs, and the clinical response. Little is currently known about primary health care presentations for mental health, suicide, and self-harm for remote dwelling Aboriginal residents of the Kimberley region, despite high rates of psychological distress, self-harm, and suicide across the area. This study was progressed through a retrospective, cross-sectional audit of the electronic medical records system used by three remote clinics to explore the interactions recorded by the clinics about a patient’s mental health. In addition, an in-depth file review was conducted on a stratified purposive sample of 30 patients identified through the audit. Mental ill-health and psychological distress were found to be prominent within clinical presentations. Psychosocial factors were frequently identified in relation to a patient’s mental health presentation. Optimizing patients’ recovery and wellness through service improvements, including an enhanced mental health model of care, is an important next step.

Unmet need for mental health care within the Dutch population: exploring the role of GP

General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in mental health care. Not only are they tasked with the recognition, but they also play a role in the treatment of mental health problems. The levels of unmet need for mental health are high worldwide. However, there is very little information on unmet needs for mental health in general practices. In this study we assess the prevalence of unmet needs subjectively and objectively and explore the role of the GP. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with questions regarding the patient’s perspective on mental health treatment, obtainment of treatment and the role of the GP, and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). When combining the results of the GHQ-12 with the personal perspective, a total of 21% of the participants (n=538) were found to be in need of mental care. Forty-four percent of the participants with a need for mental care did not receive any form of treatment in the past year. Half of the patients with a need for care had recently visited their GP. Both participants with and without an unmet need would appreciate the GP briefly asking about their mental health (69% vs. 63%, p=0.258) during regular consultations. A significant proportion of patients in need of mental health care do not receive treatment. The GP is in a good position to ask about mental issues, as people with unmet needs regularly visit the GP.

Australian general practice nurse involvement in mental health: A descriptive survey

Background Early assessment and evidence-based management of depression can significantly improve recovery and enhance well-being. People with depression often present to general practice as their first contact with the health system. Although few general practice nurses have specialist mental health qualifications, to optimise outcomes they must be able to appropriately identify, triage and manage mental health issues such as depression. Aim To explore the attitudes of general practice nurses about depression and investigate their current roles in mental health care. Design A descriptive cross-sectional online survey. Methods An online survey was delivered to nurses working in Australian general practice. An investigator developed survey collected data about participant demographics and their role in mental health within general practice. Attitudes to depression were measured using the Depression Attitudes Questionnaire. Findings One hundred and four responses were included in the analysis. Findings indicate that participants felt that it was within their role to engage in activities related to mental health care. Participants also disagreed with negative attitudes to depression. Despite this, few participants were currently involved in assessing mental health or developing care plans for those living with mental illness. Few participants had undertaken professional development in mental health topics, although most identified that they felt additional learning would be beneficial. Conclusion As the first point of contact with the health system, general practice plays an important role in the identification of mental health issues and determining the health services required. In an environment of increasing demand for mental health support, this role cannot be underestimated. With this in mind, the general practice nurse's role in mental health care can have a significant impact on the well-being of the community. Strategies that create opportunities for nurses’ engagement in professional development and facilitate the assessment of people's mental health within usual care have the potential to improve the quality of care and health outcomes.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS’ PERCEPTIONS, VIEWS, AND SATISFACTIONS WITH THE ROLES OF PHARMACISTS IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE – A STUDY IN A NIGERIA PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL

Objectives: To assess the psychiatric patients’ perception, views, and satisfactions with the pharmacists’ role in mental health care. Methods: The study was conducted in a Neuropsychiatric Hospital in South Eastern part of Nigeria from October 2019 through January 2020 using a cross sectional survey in convenient samples and a total of 128 patients completed the study. The questionnaire contained the patients’ demographic details, six-item questions on respondents’ perception, 7-item questions on patients’ satisfaction, and six-item questions on the respondents’ view. The questionnaire was coded, checked for accuracy and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 23 for windows. Results: The response rate was 94% where 136 respondents showed willingness to participate, but 128 respondents completed the study. All the participants were young adults and adults, male (53.1%), female (46.9%). About 93.8% of the respondents agreed that the pharmacists were friendly and 89.1% admitted that pharmacists’ care were about perfect. About 69.5% were satisfied with the pharmacists’ professional outlook, while only 42.2% are of the view that the pharmacists offer counseling without their asking for it. Conclusion: The patients’ perception on the pharmacists’ skills and knowledge in handling psychiatric patients was high; their satisfaction with the pharmacists’ professional outlook can be considered fair, while their views on pharmacists’ counseling can be considered to be generally poor.

The role of Mental Health Care Act status in dignity-related complaints by psychiatric inpatients: A cross-sectional analytical study.

BackgroundGlobally interest has grown in promoting the rights of patients, especially psychiatric patients. Two core elements of patients’ rights are the rights to be treated in a dignified manner and to give feedback about services. Psychiatric patients may feel treated in an undignified manner, especially during involuntary hospital admissions.AimWe explored the relationship between Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 (MHCA) status and dignity-related complaints.SettingThe study was conducted at a specialist state psychiatric hospital.MethodsWe reviewed 120 registered complaints by psychiatric inpatients, retrieved the clinical files, and analysed 70 complaints. Fisher’s exact tests described the relationship between patients’ MHCA status and the frequency of dignity-related or other categories of complaints. Logistic regression analyses were adjusted for potential covariates.ResultsMost complaints were from single, literate male patients, aged 30–39 years, with mood disorders. Most complainants were admitted involuntarily (60%). Dignity-related complaints (n = 41; 58%) outnumbered nondignity-related complaints (n = 29; 41%). The proportion of dignity-related complaints was higher in involuntary (64%) and assisted (60%) patients than in voluntary patients (44%). Dignity-related complaints were not significantly associated with MHCA status (χ2 = 2.03 and p = 0.36). Involuntary patients were more than twice as likely as assisted and voluntary patients to complain about dignity-related matters (Odds ratio [OR]: 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.71; 7.13]; p = 0.16).ConclusionInvoluntary patients are more likely to complain about dignity-related matters. Qualitative research is recommended for a deeper understanding of patients’ experiences during admission.

Pharmacists' roles in mental healthcare: Past, present and future.

Mental illnesses cause significant disease burden globally, with medicines being a major modality of treatment for most mental illnesses. Pharmacists are accessible and trusted healthcare professionals who have an important role in supporting people living with mental illness. This commentary discusses the role of pharmacists in mental healthcare, as part of multidisciplinary teams, the current evidence to support these roles, and the training, remuneration and policy changes needed to recognize these roles and embed pharmacists as core members of the mental healthcare team.

Youth Workers in Mental Health Care

Youth workers’ role in mental health care requires articulation and further examination. Establishing a role in the provision of mental health care leads to queries regarding youth workers’ mental health literacy and what knowledge is required to have a presence among other mental health care providers. The aim of this paper is to articulate the current role of youth workers in mental health care, examine emerging perspectives in research and education on mental health literacy development, and encourage fresh directions for future education and research that are aligned within the physical and philosophical position of the youth work field.

Pharmacists’ roles in supporting people living with severe and persistent mental illness: a systematic review protocol

IntroductionSevere and persistent mental illness (SPMI) can significantly impact a person’s social, personal and professional life. Previous studies have demonstrated pharmacists’ roles in mental healthcare; however, limited studies to date...

Applications of Virtual Reality in Mental Health

This objective of this research is to study the application of virtual reality in health care and to especially comprehend its role in mental health care. The methodology employed in qualitative in nature, mainly descriptive that takes in to consideration the databases of various journals and academic websites. The research paper aims at providing a review and analysis on how virtual reality or the artificial environment is used to treat various health related issues, paying specific attention on the mental health and related ailments. Virtual reality has taken a great leap in the past two decades where its various applications are being used to not only treat different medical conditions but also provide training to the medical professionals, thereby reducing the cost of training manifold. The use of artificial environment has improved the quality of health care in the recent years. However, there are still few challenges that the virtual reality world faces and needs to address. The applications of virtual reality need to be communicated widely as to increase the awareness among people and lessen the stigma attached with getting help for mental health issues.

2.42 ILLINOIS DOCASSIST: A FREE STATEWIDE PSYCHIATRIC COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM TO IMPROVE SCREENING, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH IN PEDIATRIC AND PERINATAL MEDICAID POPULATIONS BY PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS

Primary care providers have assumed an increasingly important role in mental health care. They provide an expanding volume of outpatient mental health services, prescribe a growing number of psychotropic medications, and treat patients with a broad array of mental health conditions. These trends emphasize the importance of implementing effective models of collaboration between primary care providers and mental health specialists.

The social utility of community treatment orders: Applying Girard's mimetic theory to community-based mandated mental health care.

Serious mental illness (SMI) has long posed a dilemma to society. The use of community treatment orders (CTOs), a legal means by which to deliver mandated psychiatric treatment to individuals while they live in the community, is a contemporary technique for managing SMI. CTOs (or a similar legal mechanism) are used in every province in Canada and in many jurisdictions around the world in the care and management of clients with severe and persistent mental illness (most frequently schizophrenia) who have a history of treatment non-compliance and subsequent relapse. Although there is ongoing controversy around CTOs, their use continues to be on the rise. René Girard's mimetic theory, in which he posits the social utility of the scapegoat mechanism, may shed some light on how established cultural patterns contribute to contemporary responses to SMI: how culture depends on the reproduction of certain narratives, and how these act to shape the identity of those involved. The CTO specifically can be seen to act as a scapegoating mechanism, wherein, by singling out and controlling individuals who appear to threaten social order, social order is restored. This paper reviews Girard's theory, looks at how it has been applied to SMI, and then considers how it may illuminate the social role of the CTO. This examination may provide mental health nurses with insight into the constructed identities of their patients, as well as the role of mental health care within broader cultural narratives.

California launches $50 million program for school‐based MH care

The California State Legislature is calling on local school districts to come up with new ways to fill big gaps in mental health care for children and teens, setting aside $50 million this year for schools willing to try new ways of detecting and preventing mental illness through campus‐based services, the Mountain View Voice reported Aug. 2. The Mental Health Student Services Act, established through budget legislation this year, launches a grant program where county behavioral health departments — largely responsible for publicly funded mental health care — can partner with local schools to create campus‐based mental health services. The goal is to reach students before mental illness becomes severe and disabling, preventing suicide, dropouts, homelessness and suffering. The act builds on a common trend among California lawmakers, who have sought over the last three years to migrate the role of mental health care from the clinic to the classroom. Santa Clara County Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan said she is prepared to pursue the funding. When asked whether the added responsibility of providing mental health care could become a burden on public schools, Dewan said she believes schools can balance mental and behavioral services on top of academics — so long as they receive adequate funding and trained, qualified staff.

Integration of traditional and western treatment approaches in mental health care in Pacific Island Countries.

To explore the extent of integration of traditional and western approaches in mental health care in Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Examination of national mental health policies and literature review. Traditional healers were included as resources for mental health in four of the seven policies that we were able to access. While their role in mental health care is widely acknowledged in the literature, there are few empirical studies exploring integration. Local research on integrative mental health care is needed to guide mental health policy and service development in PICs. Any research must include the full range of formal and informal service providers as well as patients and families.

“I'm a police officer not a social worker or mental health nurse”: Online discourses of exclusion and resistance regarding mental health‐related police work

AbstractDespite estimates suggesting that around 15% of UK police incidents involve people with a mental health concern, officers receive very little mental health training. The police have faced high‐profile criticisms over their handling of mental health‐related incidents, whereas the underfunding and fragmentation of UK mental health services has led to concerns that police officers are being forced to undertake a primary role in mental health care. At a time of austerity and widespread cuts to public services, it is important to explore how particular groups work to justify the parameters of their professional duties. This article therefore explores the discourses surrounding mental health problems on an online police discussion forum, highlighting two distinct ways in which mental health‐related work is represented as being incompatible with policing. First, mental health problems are delegitimised and conflated with “scrounging,” positioning individuals as undeserving of police time; second, mental health problems are reified and associated with violence and extreme behaviour, justifying the use of force by police officers and deflecting responsibility onto mental health services. Findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that mental health work is not perceived to be a valid part of the police role.

Patterns of Referral to Clinical Psychology Services in the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

BackgroundThis descriptive study identifies the demographic characteristics and patterns of referral to clinical psychology services, which include types of diagnosis, types of referral and source of referrals in child, adolescent, adult and geriatric cases in Malaysia.MethodsWe utilised 2,179 referrals between January and December 2015 from six general hospitals and three mental health institutions that provide clinical psychology services.ResultsThe percentage of male referrals (60.3%) is higher than that of female referrals (39.7%). Adult cases had the highest percentage of referrals (48.2%). Children (48.8%) and adolescent (28.1%) cases were mainly referred for psychological assessment. Meanwhile, adult cases (74.8%) were mainly referred for psychological intervention. Neurodevelopmental disorders was the diagnosis with the highest percentage of referrals recorded (41.4%), followed by depressive disorders (13.3%) and anxiety disorders (12.7%), and the combination of other disorders. Psychiatrists provided the highest number of referrals (82.2%), which is unsurprising as both fields are closely related.ConclusionClinical psychology services within the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia play an important role in mental health care.

The transition from patient to mental health peer worker: Agrounded theory approach.

Peer workers are increasingly being engaged in contemporary mental healthcare. To become a peer worker, patients must evolve from having a patient identity to a peer worker identity. This study aims to understand how mental health peer workers experience their transition and how it affects their view of themselves and their direct working context. A grounded theory approach was used. Seventeen mental health peer workers in Belgium were recruited through theoretical sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed according to the constant comparative method. The results indicate that novice peer workers experience peer work as an opportunity to liberate themselves from the process of mental suffering and realise an acceptable form of personal self-maintenance. As peer workers become more experienced, they are confronted with external factors that influence their self-maintenance and personal development. Experiencing clarity in their duties and responsibilities, equality, and transparency in the workplace reinforce their experience of self-maintenance and positively influence their self-development. Experiencing a lack of clarity in their duties and responsibilities, inequality, and lack of openness discourage peer workers' self-development process. These experiences challenge their personal motivations to become peer workers, which are usually linked to building a meaningful life for themselves. The insights can encourage organisations to build up a supportive environment collaboratively with peer workers and ensure that peer workers can exert their authentically unique role in mental healthcare.