Anonymity or visibility? An investigation of stigma and Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) services using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA)

Abstract

Background: Stigma exists towards mental illness, those who have a mental illness, and towards mental health facilities. It has been recommended that facility anonymity is beneficial for those attending services.

Aims: To identify whether Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) staff-members are aware of the potential issues surrounding CMHT visibility and anonymity. Specifically to explore how a forthcoming relocation may affect service provision, and those attending services.

Method: Five staff members were interviewed using a semi-structured schedule. The research was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Results: Super-ordinate themes of Awareness, and Utility of the CMHT emerged. Issues of local and national understanding of mental health, and the multiple roles of the CMHT were explored. Participants demonstrated varied levels of understanding and knowledge.

Conclusions: The findings indicate the potential for an educational package for staff to assist in fulfilling government criteria for service-provision.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords:

• Stigma
• community
• mental health