The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice

Griffiths, Maria; Allen, Jo; Patel, Krisna; Bell, Victoria

2020 The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice

doi: 10.1108/jmhtep-11-2019-0058

Families play an instrumental role in helping relatives experiencing mental health issues to stay well. In the context of wider initiatives promoting family and carer needs, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of bespoke training to develop clinicians’ skills in working with families in crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe study was an uncontrolled evaluation of a one-day workshop for home treatment team staff using pre- and post-questionnaires.FindingsIn total, 83 staff members participated. Overall, there was a strong agreement for the involvement of families, which increased marginally after training. There were significant changes in views about talking to family members without service user consent (p = 0.001) and keeping them informed of their relative’s well-being (p = 0.02). Qualitative feedback indicated that participants enjoyed the interactive elements, particularly role-playing. Training provided an opportunity to practice skills, share knowledge and facilitate the integration of family work into their professional role.Research limitations/implicationsConfident support for families contributes to effective mediation of crisis and continuation of care; factors important in reducing admission rates and protecting interpersonal relationships. Overall, the consistency of responses obtained from participants suggests that this workshop offers a helpful introduction to a family approach at times of a mental health crisis.Originality/valueThis pilot evaluation suggests this new one-day workshop, is a feasible and acceptable training program, which is beneficial in developing clinicians’ skills in working with families in a crisis.

Hancox, Laura Jane; Gresswell, David M.; De Boos, Danielle

2020 The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice

doi: 10.1108/jmhtep-01-2020-0001

This paper aims to address how one Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) programme contributes to the shaping of attitudes of its trainee clinical psychologists (TCPs) towards cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).Design/methodology/approachA total of 28 TCPs completed an online, mixed-methods questionnaire relating to their attitudes towards CBT, what factors had influenced their attitude and how competent they felt in applying CBT to clinical practice.FindingsThe majority of respondents reported a positive attitude towards CBT. There was a statistically significant positive change at an individual level in TCPs’ views of CBT between the point at which they applied for the DClinPsy and the present day. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified influential factors on the development of TCP attitudes towards CBT. The vast majority of TCPs reported that they felt competent applying CBT in their clinical practice.Research limitations/implicationsOverall, the DClinPsy has a positive effect on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. However, the influence of placements has a more mixed effect on attitudes. A small sample size reduced the reliability of these conclusions. Recommendations for further evaluation have been made.Originality/valueThis paper evaluates the effect of a DClinPsy programme on TCPs’ attitudes towards CBT. The value is that it establishes which components of the course have different effects on trainee attitudes.

Zeng, Grace; Chung, Donna

2020 The Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice

doi: 10.1108/jmhtep-01-2020-0007

Previous studies have pointed the need for more research, which explores how peer provision brings about change associated with recovery. This study aims to test Leamy’s framework, which consists of five recovery processes: connectedness, hope, identity, meaning and empowerment (also known as the CHIME framework) within the peer provision context.Design/methodology/approachThis mixed-methods study was completed in two stages. A total of 13 face-to-face interviews were conducted with peers and the transcripts were analysed thematically. A short online questionnaire was completed by 12 peers and analysed with both descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.FindingsThe participants spoke about the value of peer providers (PPs) in building connectedness, fostering hope and optimism, growing identity, enhancing meaning and empowerment (CHIME). However, their connectedness was hindered by external circumstances and the intrapersonal capacities of their PP.Practical implicationsThe CHIME framework was useful in highlighting stages in which peers moved through their recovery and its corresponding PP involvement. PPs were also found to promote motivation, which was a key driver in their peers’ recoveries. Further research is needed to test frameworks that account for wider systemic issues and the role PPs play in enhancing motivation.Originality/valueThis study has identified the usefulness of the CHIME framework in describing peer provision. It contributes to our understanding of how peer provision can promote recovery in persons with mental health challenges. It lays the groundwork for future research into examining the role of peer provision in recovery and its distinctiveness from other forms of mental health support.

Uddin, Tasnim; Saadi, Amina; Fisher, Megan; Cross, Sean; Attoe, Chris

2020 The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice

doi: 10.1108/jmhtep-04-2020-0020

Emergency services face increasing frontline pressure to support those experiencing mental health crises. Calls have been made for police and ambulance staff to receive training on mental health interventions, prevention of risk and inter-professional collaboration. Mental health simulation training, a powerful educational technique that replicates clinical crises for immersive and reflective training, can be used to develop competencies in emergency staff. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health simulation training for police and ambulance staff.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 199 participants from the London Metropolitan Police Service and London Ambulance Service attended a one-day simulation training course designed to promote effective and professional responses to mental health crises. Participants took part in one of six simulated scenarios involving mental health crisis before completing structured debriefs with expert facilitators. Participants’ self-efficacy and attitudes towards mental illness were measured quantitatively using pre- and post-course questionnaires while participants’ perceived influence on clinical practice was measured qualitatively using post-course open-text surveys.FindingsStatistically significant improvements in self-efficacy and attitudes towards mental illness were found. Thematic analyses of open-text surveys found key themes including improved procedural knowledge, self-efficacy, person-centred care and inter-professional collaboration.Originality/valueThis study demonstrates that mental health simulation is an effective training technique that improves self-efficacy, attitudes and inter-professional collaboration in police and ambulance staff working with people with mental health needs. This technique has potential to improve community-based responses to mental health crises.