Reflective voices: primary care mental health workers’ experiences in training and practice

Background: The role of the primary care mental health worker (PCMHW) in providing self-help and signposting to people referred for mild-moderate anxiety and depression is currently being complemented by low-intensity workers training under the government’s improving access to psychological therapies (IAPT) programme. Aim: This study aims to explore the experiences of five PCMHWs working in the context of a newly designed primary care mental health team in London. Methods: Thematic analysis of participants’ written reflective papers provides a qualitative exploration of issues and concerns raised by PCMHWs during a fortnightly reflective practice group. Results: Themes emerging from participants’ written accounts highlight: difficulties in applying academic and skills training to the real-life world of clinical practice; difficulties in managing issues of risk and complexity; role confusion; and the need for a visible and coherent career structure. Conclusions: The study highlights the psychological impact on PCMHWs of managing complex client referrals. This is discussed in the context of the high volume case turnover anticipated by IAPT training curricula. Implications for the training and education of IAPT low-intensity workers are briefly considered.