The impact of lived experience on health care workers' knowledge, attitudes and behaviour regarding mental illness

Abstract

Background/Aims The literature suggests that many health care workers hold stigmatising attitudes towards mental illness. This study aimed to ascertain information regarding the impact of lived experience on health care workers' knowledge about mental illness, attitudes towards mental illness and intended behaviours towards people who experience mental illness. Methods This quantitative study used a questionnaire survey of health care workers employed in four National Health Service Trusts (n=2073). Statistical analyses were conducted. Results Lived experience of a mental illness (self or family member) was associated with more favourable knowledge about mental illness, attitudes towards mental illness and intended behaviours towards those with a mental illness. Conclusions The lived experience of mental illness among health care workers could be harnessed as a resource to improve service delivery. There should be a long-term commitment to capitalising on the benefit to patient care of lived experience among health care workers.

Knowledge and attitudes about conduct disorder of professionals working with young people: The influence of occupation and direct and indirect experience

“…This may be due to limited understanding about the benefits of treatments, meaning professionals may fail to make necessary referrals [ 21 ]. Knowledge of mental illness increases alongside experience, leading to reduced stigma and more favourable behaviours towards patients [ 22 ]. However, evidence for knowledge specifically about CD in staff working with youth populations is limited, with a particular lack of quantitative data.…”

“…Studies in adults with mental disorders demonstrate that negative staff attitudes towards patients results in avoidance of patients [ 28 ] and lower patient satisfaction [ 29 ]. In contrast, healthcare workers who have experience of working with those with mental illnesses display more positive attitudes and behaviours towards patients, including willingness to help [ 22 ]. A positive relationship between beliefs and behaviours towards children with ADHD has been demonstrated in teachers with experience teaching children with ADHD [ 27 ].…”