Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental Health services need to adopt service delivery models that are inclusive and responsive to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans* and gender diverse, intersex, and/or queer (LGBTIQ+) identifying individuals.
AIMS: A survey was conducted to investigate an LGBTIQ+ related workforce development initiative, and perceived knowledge, confidence and workplace culture of mental health staff in a multi-site public mental health service.
METHODS: A survey comprised of multiple choice, five-point Likert scale ratings, and short answer sections was administered to mental health staff at their place of work. Workplaces included were: community mental health clinics, residential services, acute mental health inpatient services, service development, and research departments.
RESULTS: The sample comprised of 85 respondents; the majority female (66%), with good representation of staff across age brackets. Of 85 respondents; the majority were female (66%), identified as heterosexual (68%), and over a quarter (25.88%) identified as non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender. Self-reported levels of staff knowledge and confidence in working with those identifying as LGBTIQ+ were limited. While 64% of staff surveyed noted that opportunities exist in the workplace to discuss LGBTIQ+ issues, a desire to further increase knowledge was expressed by 94% of staff.
DISCUSSION / CONCLUSIONS: Staff attitudes, knowledge, confidence, and support needs should be carefully considered at organisational and leadership levels, to ensure mainstream mental health services foster LGBTIQ+ responsive service delivery models and practices. Structured initiatives are required for services to foster LGBTIQ+ responsive practices.
AIMS: A survey was conducted to investigate an LGBTIQ+ related workforce development initiative, and perceived knowledge, confidence and workplace culture of mental health staff in a multi-site public mental health service.
METHODS: A survey comprised of multiple choice, five-point Likert scale ratings, and short answer sections was administered to mental health staff at their place of work. Workplaces included were: community mental health clinics, residential services, acute mental health inpatient services, service development, and research departments.
RESULTS: The sample comprised of 85 respondents; the majority female (66%), with good representation of staff across age brackets. Of 85 respondents; the majority were female (66%), identified as heterosexual (68%), and over a quarter (25.88%) identified as non-heterosexual and/or non-cisgender. Self-reported levels of staff knowledge and confidence in working with those identifying as LGBTIQ+ were limited. While 64% of staff surveyed noted that opportunities exist in the workplace to discuss LGBTIQ+ issues, a desire to further increase knowledge was expressed by 94% of staff.
DISCUSSION / CONCLUSIONS: Staff attitudes, knowledge, confidence, and support needs should be carefully considered at organisational and leadership levels, to ensure mainstream mental health services foster LGBTIQ+ responsive service delivery models and practices. Structured initiatives are required for services to foster LGBTIQ+ responsive practices.
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 1 |
Publication status | Published - 23 Jul 2019 |
Event | 9th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2019: Shaping the future - University of York Exhibition Centre, York, United Kingdom Duration: 22 Jul 2019 → 26 Jul 2019 Conference number: 9th |
Conference
Conference | 9th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health 2019 |
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Abbreviated title | ICSW 2019 |
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | York |
Period | 22/07/19 → 26/07/19 |