Organizing and delivering training for acute mental health services: a discussion paper

Abstract

Recent policy statements that address the quality of care provided by acute mental health services have highlighted an urgent need for specialist nurse education and training. However, examples of how to design and implement such training initiatives are sparse. Drawing on recent experience of developing an innovative training programme for acute psychiatric settings, this paper seeks to examine some of the key issues associated with current training provision for acute inpatient mental health workers. The methodological and practical concerns surrounding this type of initiative are discussed with the main aspects of programme content, service user participation, team training and organizational challenges being explored. Resulting from this work, several recommendations regarding the content, organization and delivery of future training initiatives are made.

A description and evaluation of a challenging behaviour workshop

“…However, this pilot project demonstrates the importance of addressing attitudinal barriers prior to implementing more extensive training and supervision programmes. Building up positive relationships with staff, addressing negative expectations and seeking support from all levels of management should be an essential part of this work (Bee et al, 2005;. Preliminary work to identify sources of burnout among ward staff and ideas about the skills they would find helpful to develop might also have ensured that the training was better received McGowen, 2009).…”

Service user involvement in nurse education: perceptions of mental health nursing students

“…2007, Warne & McAndrew 2007) argued that traditional strategies where an input from service users were neither welcomed nor considered necessary were inappropriate as a design for organizing and providing either mental health services or undergraduate education programmes for nurses. Bee et al . (2005) were not especially critical of practitioners in this context but rather the prevailing culture that could not tolerate either flexibility or a consideration of how things could be.…”

“…2007), patient and carers experiences of the mental health system (Webb et al . 2000, Khan & Pillay 2003, Bee et al . 2005, Hopkins et al .…”

Developing a framework for admission and discharge: a nurse‐led initiative within a mental health setting

“…2001, Garcia 2006). While investment in community services is to be commended, the same level of attention has not been afforded to inpatient care either in terms of operational policy (Department of Health 2002) or staff development (Bee et al . 2005).…”

“…2005). This is reflected in the competing pressures facing ward staff, where the focus appears to be more about ‘fire fighting’ and crisis management than about a programme of care (Bee et al . 2005, Richards et al .…”