Psychologists’ perspectives on the contribution of psychology to acute adult mental health inpatient, crisis response home treatment and mental health liaison services

Abstract

Background

There are significant pressures and quality issues in acute adult mental health services in the UK

Aims

To understand the contribution of psychologists in acute services to patient care and service quality.

Methods

Forty-nine psychologists with experience in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Teams and Liaison Mental Health Services responded to a questionnaire-based survey.

Results

The first theme “Direct interventions” identified the value of psychological assessment, formulation and adapted brief interventions. The second theme “Indirect Interventions”, viewed psychology as an integral part of the Multi-Disciplinary Team, enabling psychologically informed care, increasing psychological skills in the workforce and supporting staff wellbeing. The third theme outlined a lack of psychological resources in services and limited understanding about their potential benefits. The potential of increased resources to promote psychologically informed cultures, staff wellbeing, and improve patient choice through greater access to psychological treatments was noted.

Conclusions

This is the largest UK study of psychologists within acute mental health care, identifying benefits for patients and services. Further research is needed on the impact of psychological interventions on patient outcomes and workforce wellbeing.

Keywords:

• Psychology
• adult mental health
• inpatient
• crisis
• liaison

Acknowledgments

Many thanks to all the psychologists who gave their time and expertise to the project. Thanks to Dr Lisa Wood, Specialist Care Pathway Lead for Acute and Inpatient Psychology, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, UK and Dr Toby Brandon, Reader in Mental Health and Disability, Northumbria University, UK for helping with the data analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Selma Ebrahim

Selma Ebrahim is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Associate Director with Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear Foundation Trust, UK. She is also chair of the Complex Mental Health Network within Association of Clinical Psychology UK.