An extra pair of hands? A case study of the introduction of support workers in community mental health teams for older adults.

Background: Despite the expanding deployment of support workers in mental health services, little evidence exists on what managers and professional practitioners should expect of such staff in community settings.

Aims: This case study evaluated the introduction of support workers in community mental health teams for older adults.

Method: A multiple method design engaged support workers and professional colleagues in individual interviews, a focus group and a work satisfaction survey.

Workplace satisfaction in a mental health service for older adults: an analysis of the effects of setting and professional status.

Research in mental health services for working-age adults has repeatedly shown that work is found more satisfying, if more stressful, by community practitioners than by hospital-based staff. This study examined whether similar differences exist in services for older adults and how this might be influenced by the high proportion of nonprofessionally qualified workers in inpatient settings for mentally infirm older people. The Work Environment Scale was given to all practitioners in a mental health service for older adults in a single London borough.