Karen Cleaver

School nurses’ experiences of managing young people with mental health problems: A scoping review

Prevalence of mental health disorder is increasing among young people. It is recognized that early intervention is essential in supporting young people, and care provided within schools to support emotional well-being is recommended as part of this process. A scoping review was undertaken examining school nurses’ experiences of supporting the mental health of schoolchildren. Findings suggest that school nurses have a central role in supporting young peoples’ mental health, although a number of barriers exist which impact on school nurses’ preparedness for this aspect of their role. While there are inconsistencies in the provision of mental health training available to support school nurses, when training is implemented it has positive outcomes for service provision and quality of care. A number of challenges for school nurses were also identified, and recommendations for practice are suggested in the article.

General practitioners’ perceptions on their role in light of the NHS five year forward view: a qualitative study

Abstract Background The NHS is undergoing unprecedented change, central to which is policy aimed at integrating health and social care services, resulting in the implementation of new care models. GPs are at the forefront of this change. However, there is lack of academic literature on General Practitioners’ perceptions on their role in light of the new models of care proposed by the NHS Five Year Forward View which this small-scale study begins to address. Objectives This study aims to produce a description of how GP’s construct their current and future general practice, professional status and identify within the context of the current NHS transformation agenda. Methods Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and one focus group to gather the perspective of GPs (n = 10) working across three clinical commissioning groups in South East England. Results While the GPs embraced the principles underpinning the new care models, they were both willing and reluctant to adopt their new roles, struggled with inter-organisational and cultural barriers and their changing professional identity. Conclusion Multi-professional education in primary and community care could be an effective model to offer support and resources to the development of the clinical and leadership skills GPs will require to respond effectively to the transformation agenda. The emergence of community education provider networks, innovative network organisations designed to support workforce transformation through education and training, can provide the vehicle through which clinical and leadership skills training are sourced and coordinated.

Accessing young people who self-harm as research participants

Historically, research pertaining to children and young people involved them as research subjects, to be observed and measured, while views of children and young people have been obtained through parents and carers. However, the important contribution that children and young people make within research, by giving their own perspective on the subject under study, is now widely recognized, but gaining these perspectives can be challenging. This case study provides insight into the challenges faced when attempting to recruit young people as participants in a study which examined the emergency care young people receive following an episode of self-harm.