Staff experience of team case formulation to address challenging behaviour on acute psychiatric wards: a mixed-methods study

Team case formulation on acute psychiatric wards aims to support staff to manage significant levels of challenging behaviour. However, there is limited research on staff experience of case formulation in this setting.

This study aimed to investigate staff experience of team case formulation sessions on acute psychiatric wards and their impact on staff wellbeing.

Eighteen multidisciplinary staff (nurses, doctors, occupational therapists, support workers, activities coordinators) from five acute wards at a South London psychiatric hospital completed a semi-structured interview and visual analogue scales on their experience of attending case formulation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data.

Participants reported that case formulation supported staff to develop a holistic understanding of service users, provided a safe space for staff to discuss the impact of challenging behaviour and improved teamwork and communication. Participants reported that these benefits increased their ability to identify and support the needs of service users and improved therapeutic relationships. Challenges with establishing continuity of care were highlighted.

Team case formulation is an important intervention to support ward staff and has significant benefits to staff wellbeing and quality of care. Greater integration with existing ward practices may benefit both staff and service users.