Database of New Zealand mental health research
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How New Zealand Community Mental Health Support Workers Perceive their Role
Investigator(s) / AuthorsBarnaby D. M. Pace
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr Barnaby Pace |
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Email address is not available; please contact keadmin@tepou.co.nz for more information. |
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| The research | |
| Summary | The aim of the current paper is to determine the perceived role of the mental health support worker by those who are current employed in such roles. |
| Objectives | To determine thehow mental health support workers perceive their role and function within mental health services. |
| Study design | A qualitative approach was used to conduct this research. The use of a qualitative methodology appeared particularly appropriate based on similar previous research. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health support workers from a variety of community based mental health services. Semi-structured interviews are viewed as appropriate for the exploration of individuals’ perceptions, attitudes, values and beliefs (Richardson et al. 1965, Smith, 1975). This approach provide extensive, rich narratives and offers the opportunity for the researcher to clarify responses and follow-up with additional questions (Barriball & While, 1994). The interview consisted of twelve open-ended questions to guidance the research participants. The interview duration varied from 30 to 45 minutes depending on the responses given. Detailed interview notes were taken with some of the sessions being recorded with the approval of participants. The research group consisted of 14 participants currently working as Mental Health Support Workers, and 1 participant currently employed as a mental health service manager with a support role built in. The research sample produced a mean age 49 (M = 49) and a gender spread of 4:1 (Female: Male). The mean time for employment as a mental health support worker was 2 year and 8 months (M = 2.8) with a range of 5 months to 6 years and 8 months (range = 6.3). Thirteen of the participants work directly with services users and two with the service user’s family. All participants worked for non-government mental health service provides. |
| Methods | Qualitative |
| Results | The analysis of the data revealed the following themes as the perceived functions of a community based mental health support worker. 1. Developing and maintaining a therapeutic relationship 2. Working alongside the service users 3. Skill development and training 4. Community reintegration 5. Administration |
| Conclusions | The overarching purpose of this research was to establish the perceived role of mental health support by workers currently employed in this position. Analysis of transcripts from the individual interviews revealed five predominant themes across all research participants. As a validity measure, a focus group of senior support workers was asked to offer their comments and endorsement of the identified themes. |
| Key Descriptors | Workforce Development, Recovery |
| Disciplines | Support Work |
| Settings | Residential, Community |
| Diagnostic Categories | General |
| Populations | General Population |
| Other Keywords | |
| Ethics approval | Yes |
| Academic led | Yes |
| Service led | No |
| How were service users involved | No involvement |
| Publication in peer review journal | Yes |
| Supporting information | |
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Page last updated: 7 November 2008