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Health Service Users (health + service_user)
Kinds of Health Service Users Selected AbstractsMedia presentation of the mental health bill and representations of mental health problemsJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Juliet L. H. Foster Abstract This paper discusses the findings of a study that examined the way in which the Mental Health Bill of June 2002 was presented in the British national and local media over a 3-year period. A Lexis Nexis search yielded 256 articles, which were then analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. Overall, and perhaps contrary to what might have been expected given previous studies' conclusions regarding the media's negative portrayal of mental ill health, most articles tended to present a negative view of the Bill as unnecessarily repressive, and consequently were more sympathetic towards mental heath service clients, although this was not the case for tabloid articles. However, this paper then considers the more implicit representations found within the articles. It focuses particularly on the continued linking of mental ill health and violence, and also on the way in which the mental health service user might be portrayed as passive and rather pitiful as an alternative to violent and dangerous. It is suggested that the continued use of such images may stem from the fact that mental health problems have long been constructed as ,Other', and are therefore deeply engrained in our society. The implications of this for anti-stigma campaigns are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Legal, social, cultural and political developments in mental health care in the UK: the Liverpool black mental health service users' perspectiveJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2002S. A. Pierre BA(HONs) MSc PhD RMN Documentary evidence suggests that attitudes among local health and social services professionals towards the concept of user involvement in health and social care remain deeply polarized, a position characterized by commentators simultaneously as praise and damnation. Perhaps user involvement in health and social care will enhance, and it appears to resonate with the logic of, participatory democracy, in localities where the centralization of power has posed questions as to the nature and purpose of local governance in public services provision. The problems experienced by Britain's black and ethnic minorities within the mental health system have been the subject of exhaustive social inquiry. This essay attempts to explore the way in which legal, social, cultural, and political developments interface with mental health care practice in the UK, in order to assist those responsible for mental health services provision to deliver services that are in line with the Government's expectation of a modernized mental health service that is safe, sound, and supportive. An exploration of these developments within the European, national (UK), and local (Liverpool) contexts is undertaken. An appropriate local response to national priorities will ostensibly cut a swathe through the barriers confronted by the ethnic minority mental health service user in the cross-cultural context, an important prerequisite for the implementation of genuine user involvement. [source] Opportunities for independent living using direct payments in mental healthHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 2 2006Helen Spandler PhD Abstract Mental health service users have yet to reap the benefits of greater choice, control and independent living, which direct payments have facilitated in other groups of community care users, particularly people with physical disabilities. To redress this imbalance a national pilot to promote direct payments to people with mental health needs in five local authority sites across England was set up and evaluated. The evaluation used a multi-method approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data, including individual semi-structured interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders across the pilot sites. This article draws on findings from the pilot evaluation to provide a preliminary understanding of how applicable the independent living philosophy is to mental health and what opportunities direct payments offer for service users. When given the opportunity, service users were able to use direct payments creatively to meet a range of needs in ways which increased their choice, control and independence. This suggests that the benefits of greater independent living through direct payments may be realisable in mental health. However, a number of ways in which the principles of direct payments in mental health could be ,downgraded' were identified. The evaluation results indicate that a thorough understanding of the independent living philosophy needs to be developed in the context of mental health. [source] Involving mental health service users in quality assuranceHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 2 2006Jenny Weinstein BPhil BA(Hons) Msc Abstract Objective, This study compares the process and outcomes of two approaches to engaging mental health (MH) service users in the quality assurance (QA) process. Background, QA plays a significant role in health and care services, including those delivered in the voluntary sector. The importance of actively, rather than passively, involving service users in evaluation and service development has been increasingly recognized during the last decade. Design, This retrospective small-scale study uses document analysis to compare two QA reviews of a MH Day Centre, one that took place in 1998 as a traditional inspection-type event and one that took place in 2000 as a collaborative process with a user-led QA agenda. Setting and participants, The project was undertaken with staff, volunteers and service users in a voluntary sector MH Day Centre. Intervention, The study compares the management, style, evaluation tools and service user responses for the two reviews; it considers staff perspectives and discusses the implications of a collaborative, user-led QA process for service development. Results, The first traditional top,down inspection-type QA event had less ownership from service users and staff and served the main purpose of demonstrating that services met organizational standards. The second review, undertaken collaboratively with a user-led agenda focused on different priorities, evolving a new approach to seeking users' views and achieving a higher response rate. Conclusions, Because both users and staff had participated in most aspects of the second review they were more willing to work together and action plan to improve the service. It is suggested that the process contributed to an evolving ethos of more effective quality improvement and user involvement within the organization. [source] Redesigning mental health services: lessons on user involvement from the Mental Health CollaborativeHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 1 2003Glenn Robert PhD Abstract Objectives, To explore the involvement of mental health service users in the redesign of in-patient mental health services in six Trusts participating in a multi-regional NHS modernization programme. Design, Semi-structured interviews and observation of team meetings undertaken as part of an action research study. Participants and setting, Users, clinical, medical and managerial staff from six mental health trusts which participated in the Northern & Yorkshire and Trent regions' Mental Health Collaborative (MHC). Results and conclusions, Whilst there were some problems, user involvement was undoubtedly a strength of the MHC in comparison to other modernization programmes within the NHS we have studied. However, the particular challenges posed by the specific context of acute mental health services should not be overlooked. The initial approach taken in each of the sites was to simply invite a user or user representative to join the local project team. In the course of events, various changes were made to this initial mechanism for involving users in the ongoing work of the teams. These changes , and setbacks in some sites , make drawing firm conclusions as to the effectiveness of the various strategies employed problematic. However, our qualitative data suggest a number of broad lessons that will assist both those leading and participating in other redesign initiatives to maximize the benefits to be gained from service user involvement. [source] Bibliotherapy for mental health service users Part 1: a systematic reviewHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 4 2008Deborah Fanner Aims and objectives:, UK health policy advocates a patient-centred approach to patient care. Library services could serve the rehabilitation needs of mental health service users through bibliotherapy (the use of written, audio, or e-learning materials to provide therapeutic support). Part 1 of a two part article describes a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of bibliotherapy in mental health services. Methods:, The systematic review of the literature used Cochrane guidelines, together with an overview of evaluations of bibliotherapy initiatives, and assessments of the needs of adult mental health service users for rehabilitation support. Results:, The evidence strongly suggests that library-based interventions and the provision of information could be beneficial for service users and economical for the health service in assisting treatment of a range of conditions. At present, public libraries in the UK are developing basic bibliotherapy services. Conclusions:, Librarians, including librarians working for the health service, might provide more sophisticated bibliotherapy services, but the evidence to guide delivery is limited. [source] Recovering from recurrent mental health problems: Giving up and fighting to get betterINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2010Yulia Kartalova-O'Doherty ABSTRACT The purpose of this paper is to present selected findings of a grounded theory study that aims to explore individual processes and desired outcomes of recovery from recurrent health problems in order to build up a theoretical framework of recovery in an Irish context. Volunteers included mental health service users or participants of peer support groups who have experienced recurrent mental health problems for two or more years, consider themselves in improvement, and are willing to participate in individual interviews. The current paper is based on the analysis of 15 audiorecorded and transcribed interviews. We identified two open codes of ,giving up' and ,fighting to get better'. Giving up was associated with accepting a passive identity of a patient with a chronic mental illness and a lack of intrinsic motivation to get better. Fighting had both positive (fighting for) and negative (fighting against) dimensions, as well as internal and external ones. The fight for recovery entailed substantial and sometimes risky effort. Starting such a fight required strong, self-sustained motivation. Service providers might need to discuss internal and external motivators of fighting for recovery with service users, with a view to including such motivators in the care plans. [source] Linguistic sensitivity, indigenous peoples and the mental health system in WalesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2004Iolo Madoc-Jones Abstract: This paper presents findings from a pilot research project to explore the significance and availability of mental health services in the medium of Welsh in Wales, UK. Based on small-scale research with Welsh-speaking mental health service users this article argues that being bilingual can be a significant factor in the complex biopsychosocial matrix that underpins mental health problems amongst Welsh speakers. It also argues that the destructive effects of linguistic oppression, and the difficulties of second language communication for mental health service users, are such that an appropriate health and social care response in Wales involves providing services in a user's preferred language. Service users' views about the current state of bilingual service provision in Wales are presented, which suggests that insufficient attention is being paid to the linguistic needs of Welsh speakers. Eight principles are proposed for mental health service policy and practice in Wales. [source] Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophreniaJOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING, Issue 3 2009Terence V. McCann Abstract Title., Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophrenia. Aim., This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the prevalence of antipsychotic medication side effects in individuals with schizophrenia, and to assess if a relationship existed between side effects and medication-taking. Background., Non-adherence to antipsychotics is common in people with schizophrenia. There is a direct relationship between non-adherence and relapse, but it is unclear if an association exists between side effects and non-adherence. Method., The Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating Scale was used with a convenience sample of 81 mental health service users with schizophrenia. Participants were recruited from one urban and one rural area in Australia in 2004. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science and nonparametric statistical methods based on the nature of data. Findings., Around 20% of participants had missed taking their medication at least once in the week before data collection. About half experienced one or more side effects, but the level of accumulated side effects was not associated with medication omission. Older participants were more likely to experience anticholinergic and allergic side effects than their younger counterparts. Younger women were more likely to experience hormone-related side effects than older women. Overall, medication omission was not statistically significantly correlated with any of the seven Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating Scale subscales. Conclusion., Greater attention needs to be paid to age- and gender-specific side effects and to monitoring side effects in people prescribed atypical medication antipsychotics. Service users, case managers and prescribers may need additional training to assist them to identify side effects and to take steps to ameliorate or at least minimize their effects. [source] Risk profiles for non-adherence to antipsychotic medicationsJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 8 2008T. V. MCCANN rmn rgn phd ma ba dipnurs (lond) rnt rcnt Poor adherence to medications is common in individuals with schizophrenia, and can lead to relapse and re-hospitalization. This paper presents the findings of an Australian study of the factors affecting antipsychotic medication taking in individuals with schizophrenia. The Factors Influencing Neuroleptic Medication Taking Scale was used with a non-probability sample of mental health service users. Ethics approval was obtained from a university and a hospital ethics committee. Data were analysed using spss version 15. Most participants had insight into their illness and were aware of the stigma of mental illness. Around 70% experienced annoying side effects, while nearly half admitted alcohol consumption. About one-fifth admitted they had missed taking medications during the previous week. Significant others played a variable role in medication taking. Over 80% were satisfied with their relationships with health professionals, but were less satisfied with access to these professionals, especially psychiatrists. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, impact of medication side effects, and access to psychiatrists were independent predictors of medication omission. It is argued that medication taking is a complex issue, which needs to be taken into consideration in health professional training and measures to promote adherence. [source] Experiences and constructions of art: a narrative-discourse analysisJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 8 2007T. STICKLEY ma dipn dipcouns rmn A narrative-discourse analysis was conducted to study the narratives of mental health service users talking about their engagement with art. The sample was drawn from a group of people who had attended arts workshops organized by a mental health service provider. Eleven people were interviewed and were asked to tell the story of their involvement in art and its significance to their lives. The data were analysed using a discourse analysis approach. Art is constructed as therapeutic within an illness repertoire. Emotions are inseparable from creative expression and identity claims are made in relation to being an artist. [source] Surveying the attitudes of acute mental health nursesJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 2 2007S. MUNRO msc bnurs pgcert rnmh cpn Recent UK policy and guidance indicates the importance of positive attitudes towards mental health service users. This is especially true in acute inpatient care, where service users are often at their most vulnerable and have higher levels of contact with mental health staff. The following paper details secondary analysis of data collected for the validation of an attitude measurement scale with a sample of 140 nursing staff in acute settings. The results demonstrate that a wide range of attitudes are held by mental health nurses towards acute mental health care. Overall, the results indicate generally positive attitudes. Significant differences were found between qualified and unqualified staff, and males and females for some questions. Recommendations are made for future attitudinal research of mental health staff. [source] A survey of mental health nurses' experiences of stalkingJOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 5 2006R. ASHMORE bsc(hons) rmn ma pgce dip couns Although an increasing amount of literature has appeared in recent years on the subject of stalking, little is known about mental health nurses' (MHNs) experiences of this phenomenon. The aims of the study were to investigate: (1) the incidence of stalking among a sample of MHNs in the UK; (2) who the perpetrators were; (3) the impact of stalking on MHNs; and (4) how MHNs manage their experiences. Employing a survey design, the British version of the Rutgers-Penn clinicians and stalking questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 400 MHNs in the UK. Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics and McNemar test. The findings reveal that: (1) 50% (n = 56) of MHNs who completed the questionnaire had been stalked; (2) on the whole, victims were female (78.6%) and stalkers males (82.1%); (3) stalkers were from a variety of social groups including mental health service users and MHNs; (4) victims were threatened, followed, physically assaulted and received unwanted communication; (5) MHNs reported a variety of stress-related (psychological and behavioural) responses to their experiences; and (6) employed a range of coping strategies. This study serves to raise awareness of a number of issues surrounding an under-reported phenomenon in mental health nursing and points to the need for further research to explore the reliability and consequences of the findings. [source] Physical examinations of mental health service usersPROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2010Andrew Peter Vanezis BSc, MBChB The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that every psychiatric inpatient should have a thorough physical examination within 24 hours of admission. Here, the authors present their cross-sectional audit to assess the timing and quality of physical examinations within an inner London inpatient mental health unit. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||