Experiences of mental health support workers in mental healthcare practice: Three visual arts narratives

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Mental health support workers (MHSWs) are frequently employed in mental health services in order to augment and diversify the workforce and to promote recovery centred care Research shows that while MHSWs positively support service user mental health recovery, these roles are often unclear or not well understood by MHSWs and other mental health practitioners WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Through arts-based research methods, three MHSWs communicated their personal vulnerabilities and anxieties in supporting others with mental health issues; these insights are rarely presented in mental health research. MHSW experiences of not having recovery-oriented expertise recognized or valued by healthcare team were powerfully conveyed through arts narrative. These findings promote recognition of the strengths and contributions of MHSWs to mental health practice. Arts-based inquiry is a means of providing additional depth to what is already known and contributes novel insights regarding the occupational experiences and perceptions of MHSWs. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Mental health nurses and healthcare teams need to engage fully with recovery-oriented principles acknowledging the vulnerabilities of all practitioners and establishing adequate supervision and support. There needs to be greater clarity concerning roles/scope of practice for MHSWs to enable productive working partnerships in mental health teams. This can be achieved through open communication, education and planning among the wider mental healthcare team. ABSTRACT: Introduction Mental health support workers (MHSWs) make positive contributions to mental health recovery practice yet their roles and support needs are often unclear. This research explored the occupational lived experiences of three MHSWs working in Irish mental healthcare services. Aim The study examined the experiences and perceptions of MHSWs regarding their mental health recovery work. Method A narrative design was used incorporating participatory art-based inquiry as a collaborative means of engaging participants. This innovative methodology enabled exploration and evocative expression of participants' occupational experiences and stories. Results Participants revealed feelings of vulnerability and anxiety regarding personal mental health and supporting the mental health of others; a finding not commonly explored in previous research. MHSW skills and knowledge were evident; however, this expertise and recovery focus was not valued in mental health services. Discussion The strengths and challenges of MHSW engagement in service provision are discussed. Interdisciplinary team integration is explored in terms of contrasting recovery philosophies, practitioner vulnerability and professional demands and imperatives. Implications for practice Mental health teams need to engage with recovery principles, acknowledging strengths and vulnerabilities of all practitioners and establishing adequate supervision and support. Greater clarity and education is required concerning roles/scope of practice for MHSWs to enable productive interdisciplinary partnerships.