Healthcare assistants’ experiences on forensic mental health wards
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 22 January 2018
Issue publication date: 30 August 2018
Abstract
Purpose
In forensic mental health wards, patients spend more time with healthcare assistants (HCAs) than qualified nurses. Despite this, there is no universally utilised standardised HCA training. The purpose of this paper is to assess the HCAs’ experiences in the HCA role in order to better understand how to build on the HCA role to ensure safe practice, and enhance staff well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
HCAs working on low and medium secure NHS forensic mental health units were recruited through purposive methods. HCAs engaged in a semi-structured interview, with questions surrounding their support needs, clinical decision making and perception of risks in the role. Template analysis was used, applying an a priori template based on the existing literature to interview transcripts.
Findings
The participants described the HCA experience to be defined by two master themes: “HCA factors” and “organisational factors”. HCAs valued a holistic patient view which prized patients’ experiences. The participants described a lack of role clarity which may be defined through ward expectations and professional experience.
Originality/value
HCAs seek a holistic view of the patient; however, some overlooked patient offences in order to do their job. Future research should address how looking past offences impacts security and HCAs’ well-being long term.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors’ sincere thanks goes to Dr Simon Reid Milligan for his support in facilitating data collection.
Citation
Boardman, S., Clarbour, J. and Rayner, K. (2018), "Healthcare assistants’ experiences on forensic mental health wards", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 179-190. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-07-2017-0028
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited