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Heyman M, Nicholson J, English K. The ParentingWell Practice Approach: Facilitating implementation in U.S. adult mental health services. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1377088. [PMID: 39011337 PMCID: PMC11247391 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1377088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To address the need for interventions for families with parents with mental illness, the evidence-based intervention Let's Talk about Children (LTC) was adapted in the context of adult mental health services in the United States and reframed as the ParentingWell Practice Approach. This study focuses on the early implementation phase of the adapted practice in Massachusetts. Methods As part of the adaptation and implementation process, practitioners from provider agencies serving adults with mental illness were invited to participate in the ParentingWell Learning Collaborative (PWLC), which included in-person learning collaborative sessions and follow-up virtual coaching sessions. This paper focuses on data obtained during and in response to the PWLC virtual coaching sessions, from 29 participants. Specific research questions included: (1) What themes emerged in coaching sessions related to practitioners' experiences during the early implementation of the ParentingWell Practice Approach (2) In what ways are coaching sessions helpful to the practitioners as they implement the ParentingWell Practice Approach? Coaching sessions were recorded, and transcribed, and the data were analyzed qualitatively to identify early implementation themes. Practitioners completed feedback surveys online (which included Likert scale items and open-ended questions) following virtual coaching sessions to evaluate the usefulness of coaching sessions. Results Coaching sessions reflected the following themes related to practitioners' experiences during the early implementation of ParentingWell: (1) practitioners identify and share concrete approaches to supporting parents; (2) practitioners reflect on parents' needs related to support, advocacy, problem-solving, and parenting skills; (3) practitioners reflect on their own personal experiences; and (4) practitioners' recognize the importance of self-care strategies for themselves and for parents served. Practitioners indicated that coaching sessions were useful in supporting the implementation of a new practice. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence for the benefits of coaching in the implementation of ParentingWell. Future research will explore the impact of ParentingWell on outcomes for parents and families served.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Heyman
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Joanne Nicholson
- Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Kelly English
- Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Eliot Community Human Services, Lexington, MA, United States
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Nevard I, Brooks H, Gellatly J, Bee P. Modelling social networks for children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness: an evidence based modification to the network episode model. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:162. [PMID: 38500222 PMCID: PMC10949563 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01647-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Network Episode Model (NEM) is a well utilised model conceptualising how social networks, valuable resources which can positively impact wellbeing and functional outcomes, are responsive to the needs of people with physical and mental health difficulties. Children of parents with severe and enduring mental illness (COPMI) are impacted by these illnesses through the intersecting roles of kin relation, informal carer, and dependent. However, it is not clear that social networks effectively respond in kind to the child's episodic need.We draw upon qualitative data to propose a new multi-factorial conceptual model (COPMI-NEM), triangulating parental mental illness, child's developmental stage and social ties to theorise how social networks do respond and adapt to children's needs.The model illustrates how networks are typically flexible and responsive to visible age-related needs, but less reactive to more obscured needs. Successful network navigation and negotiation of support relies on multiple factors including the child's ability to successfully activate social ties and the availability of formal networks. We propose a new theoretically and empirically informed NEM model also available for testing, refinement and validation in other young carer populations exposed to episodic parental health needs. Findings from this study could be used to generate network informed interventions for this and comparable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imogen Nevard
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Helen Brooks
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Judith Gellatly
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Penny Bee
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, 6.333 Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Oakes L, Wolfenden L, Drake RJ, Calam R, Gregg L. Health and social care professionals' views and experiences of supporting parents with serious mental illness. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1284712. [PMID: 38161725 PMCID: PMC10756684 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1284712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A significant number of individuals with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are also parents of dependent children. Despite the risk of adverse psychological, behavioral, and social outcomes their needs often go unmet. To better understand the needs of parents with SMI and their children it is necessary to gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of the professionals in adult mental health and children's services who work with them, and who, ultimately, are best placed to meet those needs. Aims To explore the views and experiences of health and social care professionals working with parents with SMI to understand the needs of, and their role supporting, parents with SMI and their children. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen professionals from six NHS and Local Authority settings in England, UK. Participants were included if they were employed in adult mental health or local authority children's services and had experience of working with parents with SMI. Sampling was purposive, including a wide range of professions in these settings. Interview data were analyzed using template analysis taking a critical realist perspective. Results Three top-level themes were generated: (1) Impact of parental SMI on the child, (2) Accessing support from services, (3) Role of professionals working with parents with SMI. Themes highlight diverse, wide-ranging effects of SMI on the child and a reluctance from parents to seek help due to stigma and fear. Available services are reported to be inaccessible and unacceptable to parents with SMI and practitioners experience conflict when balancing the needs of the parent and child. A whole-family approach facilitated by improved communication between services is advocated. Conclusion Participants believed that parents with SMI experience complex parenting challenges over and above other parents, describing a largely detrimental impact on the child. Support services were deemed inadequate, and participants stressed the need to develop specialist services tailored toward the needs of parents with SMI and their children. Although participants endorsed joined up working across health and social care settings to facilitate a whole family approach, they required greater service knowledge and training in parental SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Oakes
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Wolfenden
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Drake
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Calam
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lynsey Gregg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Tuck M, Wittkowski A, Allott R, Gregg L. What about the children? Adult mental health practitioners' experiences and views of family-focused practice in Early Intervention Services. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:697-715. [PMID: 37017306 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a significant risk of negative outcomes for families when a parent experiences serious mental illness. Family-focused practice (FFP) emphasises the "whole family" as the unit of care and has been found to improve outcomes for service users and their families. Despite its benefits, FFP is not routinely implemented in UK adult mental health services. This study explores adult mental health practitioners' experiences and views of FFP within Early Intervention Psychosis Services in the UK. METHODS Sixteen adult mental health practitioners employed in three Early Intervention Psychosis teams in the Northwest of England were interviewed. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Five core themes were generated: (1) A limited understanding of FFP, (2) Our practitioners, (3) Our approach, (4) Our families and (5) Our services. Practitioners' understanding of FFP was limited and typically excluded dependent children. Practitioners' age, professional and personal experience, and preconceptions of families influenced delivery, and in turn, the engagement approach they adopted impacted families' responsiveness. The diversity and dynamics of service user families such as age, socioeconomic status, culture and stigma impacted FFP. An operational context characterised by insufficient resources reduced FFP; however, organisational structures such as leadership, clinical supervision and multi-disciplinary teams facilitated FFP. CONCLUSIONS FFP is not yet embedded within Early Intervention Services. Practice recommendations include agreeing on a formal definition of FFP and its scope; the development of FFP policy; clarity in relation to staff responsibilities and identities; the adoption of a collaborative approach which encourages service user choice and for time to be ring-fenced to prioritise FFP. Future research should ascertain service user and family views on the facilitators and barriers to engaging with FFP in Early Intervention Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Tuck
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Anja Wittkowski
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Rory Allott
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Lynsey Gregg
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Nicholson J, Heyman M, English K, Biebel K. The ParentingWell Practice Approach: Adaptation of Let's Talk About Children for Parents With Mental Illness in Adult Mental Health Services in the United States. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:801065. [PMID: 35463487 PMCID: PMC9021592 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.801065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the importance of family and parent-focused practice, there has been a dearth of research on interventions for parents with mental illness. This paper describes the process and outcome of adapting an evidence-based intervention, Let's Talk about Children (LTC), in the context of adult mental health services in Massachusetts, United States. Methods Specific objectives included: (1) to specify the core components, functions, and principles of LTC essential to adapting the intervention (i.e., program theory), (2) to consider contextual factors related to the new setting; (3) to pre-test the adapted materials with diverse practitioners; and (4) to compile the program model and materials (i.e., the practice profile) for use by adult mental health service providers in Massachusetts. The Adaptation Team included individuals with expertise in psychiatric rehabilitation and clinical care, policymaking, program development and research, and parents. Activities occurred between 2015-2019 and included: (1) consulting with experts to specify the core elements and theory behind the selected intervention (i.e., with the LTC purveyor and international experts); (2) consulting with key stakeholders for input regarding the Massachusetts target population and context to inform adaptations (i.e., individual and group key informant interview sessions); (3) pretesting the initial adapted materials (i.e., training and coaching sessions with adult mental health practitioners); and (4) using feedback to refine and compile the final intervention manual (i.e., the ParentingWell Practice Profile). Participants reflected diverse, oftentimes multiple roles and perspectives, including those of parents with mental illness, adult children, and family members. Results ParentingWell is practitioner- and setting-agnostic, addresses parenting across the lifespan, fits into the routine workflow, and builds on practitioners' existing skills. Eight themes emerged, which were translated into four core elements (engage, explore, plan, access and advocate) consistent with Self-Determination Theory and four underlying principles (trauma-informed, strengths-based, family-focused, culturally sensitive) in keeping with the LTC model. The ParentingWell Practice Profile operationalizes each core element and addresses the underlying principles. Conclusion ParentingWell makes talking about parenting and family experiences a routine part of the therapeutic conversation with adults with mental illness. Future research will test the adaptation, implementation, and impact of ParentingWell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Nicholson
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Miriam Heyman
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, United States
| | - Kelly English
- Children, Youth and Family Services, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathleen Biebel
- Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Boston, MA, United States
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Nicholson J, English K, Heyman M. The ParentingWell Learning Collaborative Feasibility Study: Training Adult Mental Health Service Practitioners in a Family-Focused Practice Approach. Community Ment Health J 2022; 58:261-276. [PMID: 33813723 PMCID: PMC8019525 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-021-00818-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the feasibility and impact of the ParentingWell Learning Collaborative (PWLC) model in supporting mental health practitioners in implementing the family-focused ParentingWell practice approach with adults with mental illness. An exploratory design and qualitative methods were employed. Practitioners (n = 29) participated in in-person orientation, training and debriefing sessions; virtual coaching sessions; and via an interactive online hub. Researchers obtained data on participant engagement and satisfaction, and participants' reports of use, helpfulness, intention to use and impact. Participants were engaged in and highly satisfied with the PWLC. They deployed PWLC skills, tools and resources with parents. Evidence of impact was provided at the personal, practice and organizational levels. This study provides preliminary support for the feasibility and impact of the PWLC. Clear specification of a theoretically-based training model for practitioners is an essential step in adapting, implementing and testing interventions in new contexts .
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Nicholson
- Institute for Behavioral Health, The Heller School, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
| | - Kelly English
- Children’s Behavioral Health Knowledge Center, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, 25 Staniford Street, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Miriam Heyman
- The Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, The Heller School, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453 USA
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Churruca K, Ludlow K, Wu W, Gibbons K, Nguyen HM, Ellis LA, Braithwaite J. A scoping review of Q-methodology in healthcare research. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:125. [PMID: 34154566 PMCID: PMC8215808 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-021-01309-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Q-methodology is an approach to studying complex issues of human 'subjectivity'. Although this approach was developed in the early twentieth century, the value of Q-methodology in healthcare was not recognised until relatively recently. The aim of this review was to scope the empirical healthcare literature to examine the extent to which Q-methodology has been utilised in healthcare over time, including how it has been used and for what purposes. METHODS A search of three electronic databases (Scopus, EBSCO-CINAHL Complete, Medline) was conducted. No date restriction was applied. A title and abstract review, followed by a full-text review, was conducted by a team of five reviewers. Included articles were English-language, peer-reviewed journal articles that used Q-methodology (both Q-sorting and inverted factor analysis) in healthcare settings. The following data items were extracted into a purpose-designed Excel spreadsheet: study details (e.g., setting, country, year), reasons for using Q-methodology, healthcare topic area, participants (type and number), materials (e.g., ranking anchors and Q-set), methods (e.g., development of the Q-set, analysis), study results, and study implications. Data synthesis was descriptive in nature and involved frequency counting, open coding and the organisation by data items. RESULTS Of the 2,302 articles identified by the search, 289 studies were included in this review. We found evidence of increased use of Q-methodology in healthcare, particularly over the last 5 years. However, this research remains diffuse, spread across a large number of journals and topic areas. In a number of studies, we identified limitations in the reporting of methods, such as insufficient information on how authors derived their Q-set, what types of analyses they performed, and the amount of variance explained. CONCLUSIONS Although Q-methodology is increasingly being adopted in healthcare research, it still appears to be relatively novel. This review highlight commonalities in how the method has been used, areas of application, and the potential value of the approach. To facilitate reporting of Q-methodological studies, we present a checklist of details that should be included for publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Churruca
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Kristiana Ludlow
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Wendy Wu
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kate Gibbons
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Hoa Mi Nguyen
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Rd, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Radley J, Barlow J, Johns L. Mental health professionals' experiences of working with parents with psychosis and their families: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:393. [PMID: 33906656 PMCID: PMC8077930 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare service users who are parents with psychosis form part of the caseload of most community mental health teams. Mental health professionals can experience uncertainty about how to work with and ask about the children of these parents, and often report difficulties when collaborating with other agencies. This study focused on professionals’ experiences of working with parents with psychosis and their families to gain an understanding of these parents’ needs from a service-level perspective, and to identify barriers that professionals may experience in meeting those needs. Methods Qualitative focus groups were conducted with four to eight mental health professionals per group. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. JR familiarised herself with the transcripts and then coded each salient unit within the text. Themes were then identified and discussed amongst all authors until there was agreement. Results We developed two overarching themes: 1) Diversity of need in parents with psychosis and 2) Role boundaries. The first explored mental health professionals’ perceived range of experiences that parents with psychosis and their families have, and the range of potential effects of parental psychosis on a child. The second theme described how some mental health professionals emphasised the importance of supporting service users in terms of their parenting status and others felt it was more critical to treat the person’s symptomatic expression. This theme also included issues with communication both with their service users and with other agencies. Conclusions Mental health professionals identified that the needs of parents with psychosis were diverse and reflected significant variation in the experiences of service users. Mental health professionals across different types of team (early intervention and community mental health) expressed contrasting viewpoints about how achievable it was to respond to a service user’s parenting status in an adult mental health setting. Future research should aim to determine where training is needed to enhance mental health professionals’ ability to work holistically with families in an adult mental health setting, and how to enhance collaboration with other agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Radley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Jane Barlow
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Louise Johns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Warneford Lane, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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