Implementing Connecting People in Adult Mental Health Social Work Practice: A Thematic Analysis of Postgraduate Student Assessed Placement Reports

Martin Webber; Kirsty Shires

doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcae140

Implementing Connecting People in Adult Mental Health Social Work Practice: A Thematic Analysis of Postgraduate Student Assessed Placement Reports

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Many mental health social workers employed in NHS mental health trusts in England undertake generic care co-ordination roles. Their identity as social workers is often overlooked, diminishing their potential to lead the implementation of social interventions to improve social outcomes for people with mental health problems. This study explores the extent to which mental health social work students were able to implement an evidence-informed social intervention—Connecting People—during a mental health practice learning placement. A thematic analysis of sixteen placement reports was conducted and evidence was found of high fidelity to the practice model alongside areas for improvement. Additionally, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Connecting People in practice were noted. The findings demonstrated that it was possible to implement the model in mental health services, though the support of supervisors, teams and employers was required. The use of social approaches in mental health services may provide a leadership opportunity for mental health social workers which is distinct from their statutory functions, potentially assisting their retention in the profession.

Original language	English
Article number	bcae140
Number of pages	19
Journal	British Journal of Social Work
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcae140
Publication status	Published - 29 Aug 2024

Bibliographical note

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10.1093/bjsw/bcae140Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Implementing Connecting People in Adult Mental Health Social Work Practice: A Thematic Analysis of Postgraduate Student Assessed Placement Reports
© The Author(s) 2024
Final published version, 785 KBLicence: CC BY-NC-ND

Cite this

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title = "Implementing Connecting People in Adult Mental Health Social Work Practice: A Thematic Analysis of Postgraduate Student Assessed Placement Reports",

abstract = "Many mental health social workers employed in NHS mental health trusts in England undertake generic care co-ordination roles. Their identity as social workers is often overlooked, diminishing their potential to lead the implementation of social interventions to improve social outcomes for people with mental health problems. This study explores the extent to which mental health social work students were able to implement an evidence-informed social intervention—Connecting People—during a mental health practice learning placement. A thematic analysis of sixteen placement reports was conducted and evidence was found of high fidelity to the practice model alongside areas for improvement. Additionally, barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Connecting People in practice were noted. The findings demonstrated that it was possible to implement the model in mental health services, though the support of supervisors, teams and employers was required. The use of social approaches in mental health services may provide a leadership opportunity for mental health social workers which is distinct from their statutory functions, potentially assisting their retention in the profession.",

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