Abstract
Introduction
Engagement with services is often poor amongst people with severe mental health problems, yet key to improving clinical outcomes.
Aims
This study explores the perception of clinicians on patients with severe mental health problems, in particular the experiences of black men, who disengage from mental health services.
Method
Two focus groups consisting of a combined total of twelve, mainly white, experienced clinicians in the UK were recruited. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results
Clinicians understood that patients’ awareness of stigma impacted upon engagement with mental health services. Clinicians were aware that medication negatively impacted on engagement. The passage of time was perceived as impacting upon engagement.
Discussion
The perspectives of the clinicians in this study and the experiences of the patients in a former study converged. The participants had an understanding of the complexities that black men faced when engaging with mental health services.
Implications for practice
This is the first study to highlight that AOT staff need to be aware of the key role that stigma plays in engagement in treatment, continue to focus on efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, consider the significance medication and be aware of how patients’ attitudes towards mental health services develop over time.
Engagement with services is often poor amongst people with severe mental health problems, yet key to improving clinical outcomes.
Aims
This study explores the perception of clinicians on patients with severe mental health problems, in particular the experiences of black men, who disengage from mental health services.
Method
Two focus groups consisting of a combined total of twelve, mainly white, experienced clinicians in the UK were recruited. Transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results
Clinicians understood that patients’ awareness of stigma impacted upon engagement with mental health services. Clinicians were aware that medication negatively impacted on engagement. The passage of time was perceived as impacting upon engagement.
Discussion
The perspectives of the clinicians in this study and the experiences of the patients in a former study converged. The participants had an understanding of the complexities that black men faced when engaging with mental health services.
Implications for practice
This is the first study to highlight that AOT staff need to be aware of the key role that stigma plays in engagement in treatment, continue to focus on efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, consider the significance medication and be aware of how patients’ attitudes towards mental health services develop over time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 88-95 |
| Journal | Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Early online date | 12 Nov 2017 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 27 Nov 2017 |
Access to Document
- Wagstaff_et_al_Qualitative_experiences_Journal_of_Psychiatric_and_Mental_Health_Nursing_2017
Checked for eligibility: 07/11/2017 This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Wagstaff C, Graham H, Salkeld R. Qualitative experiences of disengagement in assertive outreach teams, in particular for “black” men: Clinicians’ perspectives. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2018;25:88–95. which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12441 This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.