PERSPECTIVES OF HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS’ TOWARDS
MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM CARE APPROACH AT ZOMBA
MENTAL HOSPITAL.
BY
ANGELLINA JEAN CHILUMPHA
BSc MHPN, Dip. Nsg, Un Cert. M
INTRODUCTION
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Back ground
Purpose of the study
Research methodology
Data analysis and research findings
Discussion
Limitation of the study
Conclusion.
BACK GROUND OF THE STUDY
• Incidences of missing management of other health related
issues on clients care are common. Leading to inadequate
holistic care.
• Need to timely manage clients with mental health problems
holistically to improve the quality of care. Hence, need for
multidisciplinary team care approach (MDTCA) (Townsend
2006:144).
• Composition of multidisciplinary team in a mental health care
setting include but not limited to: psychiatric nurses,
psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric social worker,
occupational therapists, vocational rehabilitation specialist….
BACK GROUND……..ctn
• MDTCA came into being due to the diversity of the mental
health problems.
• In contrast Hannigan and Coffey (2003:72) reported mixed
understanding towards formulation of MDTA.
• SADC Ministerial integrated committee meeting (2008)
recommended the promotion of intersectoral, coordination and
MDTA as strategies to promote mental health. Studies have
confirmed MDTCA improves the quality of care.
• None of the studies done in Malawi to explore the care
providers perspectives towards this care approach. Hence, this
study.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study was to explore the
experiences, perceptions and views of the trained
health care providers towards the multidisciplinary
team care approach in order to improve quality of
care of clients with mental health problems.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• Design: Qualitative, phenomenological research design which
is exploratory and descriptive in nature.
• Setting: Zomba Mental Hospital
• Population: nurses, clinicians, occupational therapist.
• Sampling technique: small sample of 10 participants worked
at this hospital for at least a period of three months.
• Data collection and instruments: self developed, in-depth
questionnaire and audio tapes.
• Data analysis: done by content analysis
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The research study came up with five main themes:
 Awareness of the MDTCA; Participants were aware of the
MDTCA: its definition and composition.
 Perceived strengths of the MDTCA
• Comprehensive/ holistic care
• Enhances client recovery/outcome.
• Time saving
• Sharing of diverse opinions, theories and believes
• There is continuity of clients care.
RESEARCH FINDINGS….ctn
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Perceived challenges towards the MDTCA:
Difficulties in reaching consensus.
Domination from other disciplines
Non-availability of guidelines.
Perceived challenges of the facility:
Lack of other professionals.
Clients satisfaction: patients not satisfied with care.
Longer period of hospital stay.
RESEARCH FINDINGS……ctn
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Participants suggested views / proposals:
Health human resource: need to lobby for other disciplines.
Providers attitudes: need to change attitudes.
Inclusiveness; need to include mental health attendants and guardians.
Need for guidelines
DISCUSSIONS
The previous literature review and that of in the discussion agree with the
findings of the study mostly in these areas:
• Awareness of the multidisciplinary team- its definition and composition.
• Perceived strengths of the MDTCA.
• Perceived challenges towards the MDTCA
• Participants suggested views/proposals
STUDY LIMITATIONS
• Study was conducted at a setting where MDTCA was
informally done
• Few disciplines were included in the study
• The sample was dominated by nurses than any other
disciplines
CONCLUSION
• Clients with mental health problems need to be given
comprehensive care.
• MDTCA has been confirmed to be the best in the management
of mental health problems.
• Several studies including this one have shown that MDTCA
helps to deliver comprehensive care to clients, facilitates
recovery, saves time and help to learn from each others beliefs,
theories and opinions. However, challenges are there which
need to be addressed for the benefit of the clients.
THE END