A Pilot Study Evaluating Care Staffs' Perceptions of their Experience of Psychological Consultation within a Mental Health Setting

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of a mental health consultation process provided to staff working in residential care settings for young people. Using a semi-structured interview approach, qualitative information was gathered from six participants about their experiences of the consultation. A thematic analysis of the interviews generated four key themes, which appear to reflect the different stages of consultation. These included: initiating consultation; building the consultative relationship; overcoming obstacles; and seeing the value of consultation. These themes, along with prevalent sub-themes, are discussed with reference to the effectiveness of the consultation process and the implications for use of psychological consultation in clinical practice. Implications for future practice include providing information to potential consultees before the consultation process, being accessible informally to the consultee and adopting a variety of approaches based on the consultee's needs. The limitations of this study and recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathryn Evans

Dr Kathryn Evans is a Clinical Psychologist at Five Boroughs Partnership

Heather Law

Miss Heather Law is a Research Programme Co-ordinator at Psychology Services, Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Roisin Elizabeth Turner

Miss Roisin Elizabeth Turner is an Assistant Psychologist at Brighter Futures Five Boroughs Partnership

Andrew Rogers

Dr Andrew Rogers is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the Young Person's Directorate, Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Keren Cohen

Dr Keren Cohen is a Lecturer in Professional and Community Education, Goldsmiths College, University of London, London