https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/dundee/oai:discovery.dundee.ac.uk:studenttheses/fb2bf25f-054d-4603-8cf2-7151352dbed0
type: CreativeWork
name: A qualitative study examining the Scottish legislative framework dealing with mental health, incapacity and adults at risk of harm, from the perspective of professional staff undertaking related social work functions
description: This qualitative study examines the Scottish legal framework, which deals with incapacity, mental health and adult protection from the perspective of professional staff exercising related social work functions. Social work departments have a lead role in respect of the three main Acts. As a social worker employed in one of these authorities, I had identified a gap in research, reflecting the views of this group of staff. I was aware of increasing concerns about the legislation and wide-spread variation in its use across Scotland. Furthermore, court cases at Scottish and international levels have increasingly challenged legal authority to take decisions or limit the personal freedom of individuals experiencing mental disorder or who lack mental capacity. Literature reviewed for the purpose of this study examines the origins of diagnosis and treatment and developments in mental health law in Scotland and western society. Literature and research relating to Scotland is limited and very little reflects the views of those exercising social work functions under this framework. The primary data for this study was collected through eight focus groups across three local authority areas involving 48 participants. These included eleven nurses of whom seven were employed by NHS, the remaining 37 were social workers. All were engaged in assessing and delivering community care services. Each group answered a set of open questions and specific questions relating to three case studies. These questions were designed to better understand the credibility of the law from the perspective of participants and how they interpreted the law. The data was analysed using a thematic approach. In terms of credibility, participants broadly supported the intentions of the law, believing it had improved user and carer involvement and increased respect for human rights. Many believed the law reached out to hidden groups and improved inter-agency cooperation. Concerns related to bureaucratic processe…
abstract: This qualitative study examines the Scottish legal framework, which deals with incapacity, mental health and adult protection from the perspective of professional staff exercising related social work functions. Social work departments have a lead role in respect of the three main Acts. As a social worker employed in one of these authorities, I had identified a gap in research, reflecting the views of this group of staff. I was aware of increasing concerns about the legislation and wide-spread variation in its use across Scotland. Furthermore, court cases at Scottish and international levels have increasingly challenged legal authority to take decisions or limit the personal freedom of individuals experiencing mental disorder or who lack mental capacity. Literature reviewed for the purpose of this study examines the origins of diagnosis and treatment and developments in mental health law in Scotland and western society. Literature and research relating to Scotland is limited and very little reflects the views of those exercising social work functions under this framework. The primary data for this study was collected through eight focus groups across three local authority areas involving 48 participants. These included eleven nurses of whom seven were employed by NHS, the remaining 37 were social workers. All were engaged in assessing and delivering community care services. Each group answered a set of open questions and specific questions relating to three case studies. These questions were designed to better understand the credibility of the law from the perspective of participants and how they interpreted the law. The data was analysed using a thematic approach. In terms of credibility, participants broadly supported the intentions of the law, believing it had improved user and carer involvement and increased respect for human rights. Many believed the law reached out to hidden groups and improved inter-agency cooperation. Concerns related to bureaucratic processe…
author: Fisk, Iain
language: eng
date published: 2019
date modified: 2026-07-24T02:08:46Z
provider: University of Dundee
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: University of Dundee