Mental health professionals’ views of the parents of patients with psychotic disorders: a participant observation study

Abstract

As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals' perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals' views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals' perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self-report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi-professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients' parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi-faceted image emerged of parents as seen by mental health professionals. Some parents were described as a helpful resource, but others were thought to hinder treatment. Conflicts between staff members and parents were commonly due to their differing views on the treatment, particularly the medical treatment, of the patient. Other parents were described as causing the patient emotional pain and some parents were perceived as neglectful or abusive. These findings highlight the crucial role mental health professionals play in identifying families' particular needs and capacities to provide interventions that effectively address each specific situation. Professionals should also recognise families with adverse experiences and help parents fulfil their potential to become resources for their children with psychosis.

Diagnostic accuracy at the first episode of psychosis in Uganda

“…This is of public health importance in this setting as about half of participants were not living with a primary family member. Primary caregivers play a crucial role in the management of patients with psychotic disorders as they are an important resource of clearer history (Cairns, Reid, & Murray, 2015; McCann, Lubman, & Clark, 2011; Strand, Olin, & Tidefors, 2015). It is plausible that those who live with a primary caregiver were brought to the hospital and thus gave clearer medical history at admission.…”

Planejamento, Desenvolvimento E Avaliação De Um Curso De Formação Continuada Para Implementação Da Temática História E Cultura Afro-Brasileira Nos Currículos Escolares

“…Outro método também utilizado durante o desenvolvimento da proposta foi a observação-participante, abordagem utilizada com interesse em dados como a dinâmica, as interações e reações do grupo participante diante das propostas. Além disso, esse método interessa pela obtenção de informações adicionais e relevantes do contexto e das impressões dos sujeitos, as quais as entrevistas e questionários, muitas vezes, não conseguem captar (SMITH; DENTON, 2001;STRAND;OLIN;TIDEFORS, 2015). Por meio das conclusões dos trabalhos, foi possível identificar que: 1) a maioria dos professores não sabe do que trata a Lei; e 2) apesar dos avanços e iniciativas do governo, é preciso dar uma maior atenção à formação de professores, pois o espaço da sala de aula é extremamente propício para o reconhecimento do racismo (GILLAM, 2016;GUIMARÃES, 2015;PEREIRA et al, 2018).…”