Experiences and challenges faced by community mental health workers when providing care to people with mental health conditions: A qualitative descriptive study

• Published in: International journal of mental health nursing 2022-06, Vol.31 (3), p.591-600
• Main Authors: Goh, Yong‐Shian, Ow Yong, Qing Yun Jenna, Soo, Shuenn‐Chiang, Wan, Po Ching Jennie, Ng, Vincent Chee Keong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: challenges; Community hospitals; Community mental health services; community mental health workers; Community organizations; Continuity of care; Delivery of Health Care; experiences; Health Personnel - psychology; Hospitals; Humans; Liaison; Medical personnel; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental Health; Mental health care; Mental health professionals; Networking; Organizations; Partnerships; people with mental health conditions; Qualitative Research; Quality of care; Support networks; Teams; Video conferencing; Workers
• ISSN: 1445-8330; 1447-0349
• DOI: 10.1111/inm.12977

The global prevalence of mental health conditions and the associated wide treatment gaps have led to increased demand for quality mental healthcare services. In Singapore, despite a shift towards a joint provision of mental healthcare in hospitals and the community, experiences of mental healthcare teams in such hospital‐community partnerships have remained unclear. Through a qualitative descriptive approach, this study explored community mental health workers’ experiences and perceptions of working with partners from tertiary hospitals and other community organisations. Eighteen participants were individually interviewed with a semi‐structured question guide through video conferencing. This study was guided by the 32‐item checklist from the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Data were subjected to Braun and Clark’s six‐step thematic analysis. Three themes emerged: (i) the need for supportive partners, due to institutional and legal challenges faced in the participants’ liaison with hospital partners and other community organisations; (ii) the need for a supportive organisation, whose presence and importance were revealed by the interviews; and (iii) the necessity of advanced training, identified by the participants as a contributor to their professional growth. The findings highlighted the importance of inter‐sectoral communication and positive effects of a robust organisational support system. Accordingly, hospitals and community mental healthcare organisations should consider strengthening networking and boosting case discussions through regular inter‐sectoral meetings that would prioritise the clients’ continuity of care. Furthermore, opportunities for advanced trainings should be created for community‐based mental healthcare workers.