Mental health care practitioners' understanding of the policy guideline on 72-hour assessment

The policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary Mental Health Care Users (MHCUs) are implemented in respect of involuntary MHCUs who need mental health care, treatment and rehabilitation services. Currently, there is poor implementation of the policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary MHCUs. This includes MHCUs staying beyond 72-hour assessment period and being exposed to infringement and violation of their rights.

This study explored and described the Mental Health Care Practitioners' (MHCPs) understanding of the current practice of the policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary MHCUs in South Africa.

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was followed. Participants comprised of MHCPs and were purposively sampled, while data were gathered through Focus Group Discussions utilising Microsoft Teams. Data analysis employed the six steps of thematic analysis to assess data, generate themes and categories presented concurrently with MHCPs direct quotations.

Three themes emerged after data analysis namely, (1) MHCPs' understanding of the policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary MHCUs; (2) MHCPs' challenges with the policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary MHCUs; and (3) MHCPs' suggestions to strengthen the policy guidelines on 72-hour assessment of involuntary MHCUs.

The findings of the study indicated that there should be well-trained administrators, qualified MHCPs, appropriate infrastructure, and community and family involvement to ensure proper implementation of the 72-hour policy guidelines.Contribution: This study highlights that with the proper implementation of the 72-hour policy guidelines, MHCU rights can be protected, therefore contributing to proper mental illness management.