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An exploration of staff experience and participation in a perinatal and infant mental health network group
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Accepted Version
Date
2022-03-31
Authors
O'Leary, Niamh
Wynne, Freda
Moore, Philip
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Published Version
Abstract
Objectives: Infant mental health (IMH), an area which focuses on the social and emotional development of infants in the context of the parent-infant relationship, has become an increasingly prominent field of both research and clinical practice worldwide. IMH network groups are initiatives which aim to facilitate continuous learning in the IMH approach, provide an opportunity for case discussion and encourage reflective practice. This study aimed to explore the experiences of staff working within an adult mental health (AMH) service and their participation in a perinatal IMH network group (PIMH-NG). Methods: This study had a qualitative research design and the data were collected using a focus group methodology. Participants were recruited from a PIMH-NG which aimed to provide staff working within an AMH setting with the opportunity for continuous development of IMH knowledge. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The data gathered from the focus group indicated that staff participating in a PIMH-NG enhanced their clinical skill, reflective practice and supported the dissemination of IMH knowledge throughout their respective teams. The PIMH-NG facilitated this work by providing the opportunity for continuous learning, reflective group discussion and ongoing peer support. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that incorporating elements of an IMH model into AMH services can be beneficial for staff, service users and overall service delivery and development. These findings may be used to develop the structure and content of future network groups of this nature.
Description
Keywords
Infant mental health , Perinatal mental health , Reflective practice , Network group
Citation
O’Leary, N., Wynne, F. and Moore, P. (2022) 'An exploration of staff experience and participation in a perinatal and infant mental health network group', Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine. doi:10.1017/ipm.2022.11