What works? A grounded theory investigation into the impact of non-psychology staff using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy following brief training

Juul, Juul and Smith, Ian and Bray, Dominic (2023) What works? A grounded theory investigation into the impact of non-psychology staff using Solution-Focused Brief Therapy following brief training. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

Purpose: Psychologists are becoming increasingly more expected to offer consultation to support staff to deliver more effective care in healthcare services. The aim of this systematic review was to explore any themes reported in the literature in greater depth in order to provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms that contribute to effective consultation. Method: Six databases were searched using a Highly Sensitive Search Strategy (HSSS), identifying 15 qualitative studies, which were quality-assessed using an adapted version of the CASP checklist. A meta-ethnographic approach was taken when analysing the studies looking at the experience of consultation from the perspectives of multidisciplinary, non-psychology staff. This included nurses, support workers, medical doctors, social workers, occupational therapists and managerial staff. Across the studies, the number of participants ranged from 5-57 with 70% of them being female, and with an age ranging from 18-65. Results: Six themes were developed highlighting the key aspects that were important to consider for effective consultation. Staff stressed the importance for consultation to help contain their emotional needs, to understand and connect with their clients and to feel their preference for an expert or collaborative approach to be considered. Conclusion:Recommendations for future clinical psychologists included clarifying the goals of consultation to reduce anxiety, be more accessible and flexible and adapt their language to staff preference in order to facilitate trusting relationships and more effective consultation. Future research should explore staff need and benefit of consultation by comparing experiences across other services and approaches to consultation.