New Ways of Working in Acute Care: A Case for Change

Baguley, Ian; Alexander, Jane; Middleton, Hugh; Hope, Roslyn

Abstract

This position paper focuses on the current tensions and challenges of aligning inpatient care with innovations in mental health services. It argues that a cultural shift is required within inpatient services. Obstacles to change including traditional perceptions of the role and responsibilities of the psychiatrist are discussed. The paper urges all staff working in acute care to reflect on the service that they provide, and to consider how the adoption of new ways of working might revolutionise the organisational culture. This cultural shift offers inpatient staff the opportunity to fully utilise their expertise. New ways of working may be perceived as a threat to existing roles and responsibilities or as an exciting opportunity for professional development with increased job satisfaction. Above all, the move to new ways of working, which is gathering pace throughout the UK, could offer service users a quality of care that meets their needs and expectations.

Citation

Baguley, I., Alexander, J., Middleton, H., & Hope, R. (2007). New Ways of Working in Acute Care: A Case for Change. Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, 2,

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Jan 22, 2008
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 22, 2008
• Journal: Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice
• Print ISSN: 1755-6228
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Keywords: acute inpatient unit; service user expectations;; workplace culture; whole system working; NWW for; psychiatrists; multidisciplinary team responsibilities
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1016543
• Publisher URL: http://www.pavpub.com/pavpub/journals/JMHWD/index.asp