Changing Gears and Buying Time
A Study Exploring AMHP Practice Following Referral for a Mental Health Act Assessment in England and Wales
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 10898245 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Matthew Simpson (0000-0002-4743-969X, Bournemouth University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 54 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 797-816 |
| Publication date | 2024-03-21 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | The British Journal of Social Work (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0045-3102 • E-ISSN: 1468-263X |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1093/bjsw/bcad271 |
| OpenAlex | W4390696596 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 3 |
| References cited | 26 |
The role of the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983 in England and Wales is to respond to referrals for psychiatric detention and make an application for detention where they consider this necessary. This article reports the findings of my doctoral study into AMHP decision-making at the point of referral for an MHA assessment. The strengths-based methodology of Appreciative Inquiry was adopted, positioned in a social constructionist paradigm. Nine AMHPs working for one Local Authority participated in the study, including myself as an insider researcher. During four one-day workshops over five months participants defined their best practice, analysing emerging data together within the workshops using nominal group technique. Service developments included the creation of a triage role and a bespoke report to prioritise this decision within the service, opening avenues to change gears and buy time for a more thorough assessment at this point, and promoting greater collaboration with those referred. A multi-agency approach to searching for less restrictive options was advocated within an assessment pathway. The results of this study offer a research insight into this important area of practice, offering an evidence base to inform practice and policy developments
Advertising · Agency (philosophy) · Bespoke · Business · Insider · Medical education · Mental health · Political science · Psychiatry · Public relations · Referral · Service (business) · Sociology · Triage · Healthcare Quality and Management · Interprofessional Education and Collaboration · Marketing · Medicine · Nursing · Psychiatric care and mental health services · Psychology
The social construction of reality
Being Assessed under the 1983 Mental Health Act—Can it Ever be Ethical
A Structured Narrative Literature Review of Approved Mental Health Professional Detention Decisions
Facilitating the ‘Least Restrictive Option and Maximising Independence’ under Section 115 Mental Health Act 1983
Approved social work and psychotherapy
Appreciative Inquiry and Relationships in Prison
The lost social perspective
Observing Front Line Decision Making in Child Protection
Deciding to Detain
A Study Exploring How Social Work AMHPs Experience Assessment under Mental Health Law
Accounting for Social Perspectives
Why Do Approved Mental Health Professionals Think Detentions under the Mental Health Act Are Rising and What Do They Think Should Be Done about It
The Mental Health Act Assessment Process and Risk Factors for Compulsory Admission to Psychiatric Hospital
Improving Professional Decision Making in Situations of Risk and Uncertainty
Constructing Moral Responses to Risk
| Unique citing works | 3 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 3 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 3 |