Social inclusion and mental health

People with mental health conditions are among the most socially excluded groups in society. Mental health conditions are influenced by the social environment, which in turn shapes our social and cultural responses to the people who experience them. Much of what mental health practitioners do is 'essentially social' and the effects of their interventions are hampered by the marginalised status of many of the people that they see. This book documents the ways in which people with mental health conditions are excluded from participating in society and offers some pointers as to how this may be reversed. It highlights the need to reduce mental health inequalities and to consider the importance of material inequalities and social injustices faced by people experiencing mental ill-health. Whilst the challenges are considerable and the solutions wide-ranging, mental health practitioners can play a significant role in facilitating the social inclusion of those with mental health conditions.

Quality improvement in nursing

As a student and newly registered nurse, you will need to work with others to lead, improve and sustain high quality care. This book will equip you with the skills and knowledge to do just that. From the principles and theory behind quality improvement to the practical skills and tools needed to enable it, the book develops your ability to engage in continuous quality improvement in different settings throughout your career. Personal and professional development is discussed throughout, empowering you to engage in quality improvement from the very start of your career

Co-producing and co-designing

Many healthcare improvement approaches originated in manufacturing, where end users are framed as consumers. But in healthcare, greater recognition of the complexity of relationships between patients, staff, and services (beyond a provider-consumer exchange) is generating new insights and approaches to healthcare improvement informed directly by patient and staff experience. Co-production sees patients as active contributors to their own health and explores how interactions with staff and services can best be supported. Co-design is a related but distinct creative process, where patients and staff work in partnership to improve services or develop interventions. Both approaches are promoted for their technocratic benefits (better experiences, more effective and safer services) and democratic rationales (enabling inclusivity and equity), but the evidence base remains limited. This Element explores the origins of co-production and co-design, the development of approaches in healthcare, and associated challenges; in reviewing the evidence, it highlights the implications for practice and research.

Seeking asylum and mental health : a practical guide for professionals

People seeking asylum face unique challenges and frequently experience mental health problems. Effective support requires an understanding of their mental health needs in the broader context of their lives, cultures and extreme experiences. This book provides practical guidance for professionals and services working with people seeking asylum in mental health, social care, legal, government. managerial and commissioning roles. With authors from a wide range of professional backgrounds, the book is enriched by accounts from people with first hand experience of the asylum system itself. It considers the challenges and dilemmas faced by all involved, including clients, clinicians and service planners, with a wealth of practical information about how to assess and understand strengths and needs, avoid inappropriate conclusions and discrimination, consider treatment options, and write records and reports. The authors emphasise that effective support depends on reflection, humanity and compassion. The book is a must-have resource for professionals working with those who have to seek asylum.

Occupational therapy for dementia

With contemporary approaches based on theory and the lived experience of dementia, Occupational Therapy and Dementia is written using an occupational justice lens. It examines how core elements of how occupational therapy may support the person living with dementia through valued activity in continuing engagement in their lives, sustaining their identity and sense of purpose. This edited collection critically analyses traditional thinking about dementia practice from over 40 contributors, challenging readers to reflect and develop their work. Drawing on policy and legislation related to health and social-care, readers are given tools to focus their practice towards what is important to the person living with dementia. Most importantly, this book gives a voice to people living with dementia, emphasising their expertise.