Change processes within team formulations in intellectual disabilities services: what do multi-disciplinary staff find helpful?

This study aims to explore the change processes that occur as a result of professional team formulation meetings, and the mechanisms that facilitate and hinder these events.
Eight clinicians who took part in multi-disciplinary team-based formulations in an inpatient mental health service for adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed. Interviews were examined using thematic analysis.
The key themes identified were: “gaining information”, “altered thoughts” and “focused goals”. These themes were supported by “collaborative working” and “time for reflection” and were hindered by “poor communication and interaction” and inconsistent “staff attendance”.
Multi-disciplinary team formulation meetings may have a number of change processes that affect staff knowledge and perception of the people that they support. The facilitation of these processes should be a focus for further development.

Source: Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities - September 1, 2021 Category: Disability Authors: Gemma Hymers Dave Dagnan Barry Ingham Source Type: research