Professionalism in a Mental Health Context: A Qualitative Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding and Exploring Professionalism in a Mental Health Service Context: A Qualitative Study using Stakeholder Focus
IRAS ID
234296
Contact name
Lauren Aylott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study forms part of a PhD project aiming to define and measure an individuals’ knowledge of professionalism in a mental health service context using Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs). Ultimately, these SJTs are intended to be used a part of Values Based Recruitment (VBR) of clinical staff into Mental Health Services. \n\nValues Based Recruitment commenced in the NHS following recommendations made in the Francis Report about the attitudes and attributes desirable in the caring professions. Whilst Trusts differ in their approach to implementing VBR, SJTs are recommended by many experts as a component of the appointments process. This is because they are able to assess ’non-cognitive’, professional attributes that are not measured by traditional selection criteria (such as educational achievement) in a cost-effective and reliable manner. \n\nAs part of developing effective SJTs a thorough job analysis is recommended. This is part of the ’blueprinting’ process in order to identify desirable staff values that form the domains for the basis of content development. SJT development usually includes recording ’critical incidents’ from stakeholders. These are situations which may challenge professionalism. We have already conducted a systematic literature review in order to produce a definition of professionalism for a mental health setting. However, most research papers identified were authored by psychiatrists with definitions originating in the medical literature. We also noted minimal patient-input in the literature. Thus, an additional, qualitative study is necessary to determine whether the definitions and attributes highlighted by our review resonate with patients, carers and other professions. \n \nWe plan to conduct a series of focus groups with key stakeholders (patients, carers and staff) in order to validate our definition of professionalism in a mental health context, identify any omitted themes, elicit ’critical incidents’ and develop a provisional scoring key for a novel SJT.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0630
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion