Staff experiences of reflective practice groups in a crisis resolution and home Treatment team: a mixed methods service evaluation

ABSTRACT

Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams (CRHTTs) provide mental health support for people experiencing crises and its employees are at high risk of occupational stress. Reflective Practice Groups (RPGs) hold promise for reducing staff burnout. However, to date, there have been no evaluations of RPGs delivered in CRHTT settings. This study aimed to explore staff experiences of RPGs delivered in one CRHTT. All CRHTT staff members who had attended at least one RPG were approached to take part. Participants completed two supervision questionnaires and a semi-structured interview. Descriptive statistics were calculated to quantify staff experiences and qualitative themes were generated using thematic analysis. Thirteen people participated, all of whom reported positive experiences of RPGs. Three qualitative themes also emerged comprising ‘core components of RPGs’ ‘benefits to staff’ and ‘challenges of RPG delivery’. Staff value RPGs delivered in CRHTT settings, which may reduce staff burnout and contribute to workforce development.

KEYWORDS:

• Adult mental health
• crisis resolution home treatment
• reflective practice groups
• supervision
• service evaluation
• staff views

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Sidra Hussain for her assistance in this service evaluation.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Statements and declarations

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sandra T. Neil

Sandra Neil is a Principal Clinical Psychologist in a Home-Based Treatment Team at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, England. She has previously worked in community mental health and early intervention services. Her research interests include the measurement of recovery from psychosis, developing interventions for people at risk of developing psychosis and bipolar disorder and for those presenting in crisis.

Megan Johnstone

Megan Johnstone is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist in her first year of study at Lancaster University, England. She has previously worked as an Associate Psychological Practitioner in a community NHS urgent care setting. Her research interests include understanding the experiences of Clinical Psychologists in positions of leadership, and evaluating interventions for adults experiencing a crisis in their mental health.

Katie Fox

Katie Fox is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist in her first year of study at the University of Liverpool, England. She has previously worked as an Assistant Psychologist in community learning disability and secondary care mental health services. Her research interests are in the field of perinatal mental health and include understanding the impact of childbirth, maternal mental health and infant attachment.

Richard Collins

Richard Collins is a Senior Assistant Psychologist in a Home-Based Treatment Team at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. He has previously worked as an Assistant Psychologist on an NHS Crisis Helpline and in older adult care settings. His research interests include adapting psychological interventions for people diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Conditions.

Lee D. Mulligan

Lee Mulligan is a Clinical Research Fellow with the Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at the University of Manchester, England. He has previously worked as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in inpatient and community NHS urgent care settings. His research interests include identifying psychological and behavioural risk factors for suicide-related outcomes in people experiencing mental health problems and developing interventions for those at high-risk.