Protection of Vulnerable People: Safeguarding those with Mental Illness

IntroductionIndividuals with kind wellness check up ons sportingthorn suffer from neglect and abuse as a result of their set apart (Taylor, 2006). Hence, the National wellness Service (NHS) in the UK places emphasis on safeguarding these individuals and recognising them as a undefended group. The segment of health (2000) states that the act of safeguarding is synonymous with defend those who ar more exposed to abuse and neglect. The main aim of this see is to discuss safeguarding patients suffering from psychological infirmity. The first part of this taste discusses photo in this group. Factors that influence vulnerability and how these impact the wellness and wellbeing of these individuals go forth overly be explored. The second part discusses multidisciplinary and multiagency interventions to treasure and safeguard those with moral health conditions. The third part examines the safeguarding laws and policies that support and inform the work of a multi-disciplin ary aggroup. This go forth then be followed by a reflection of the findings of this analyse and how these influence charge of a student nurse. Finally, a conclusion that summarises the distinguish points raised in this essay volition be done.Vulnerability of patients with mental health conditions Watkins (2008) take nones that the limited ability individuals with mental health conditions to express themselves augment the put on the line of abuse. For example, patients mightiness express their fears and anxiety finished bellicose behavior (RCN, 2008). When patients argon placed in a new environment, such as a hospital setting, they might be unable to articulate their feelings and plough anxious. This is aggravated when they could not see their family members or when nurses take over their families in providing for their pull off (RCN, 2008). McDonnell (2011) explains that is not uncommon for these patients to become defensive and aggressive when surround with strange rs.Second, patients with mental illness often suffer from stigmatisation, discrimination and isolation (Lubkin and Larsen, 2011 Moran et al., 2013 Mestdagh and Hansen, 2014). Moran et al. (2013) states that isolation could aggravate the patients mental health condition since firing of accessible support increases risk of depression. Stigmatisation, on the other hand, increases vulnerability since patients might not access appropriate health sympathize with attends due to detrimental perceptions of patients with mental illness (Mestdagh and Hansen, 2014). Individuals with a history of mental illness could also experience discrimination at work or when applying for employment (Lubkin and Larsen, 2011). separately(prenominal) these factors influence the health and wellbeing of those with mental health condition. Lack of accessible support and inability of an individual to find an employment increase the risk of depression (Lubkin and Larsen, 2011). It is widely established (Co cker et al., 2014 Lubkin and Larsen, 2011) that chronic depression is strongly associated with myopic health outcomes such as development of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other chronic conditions. Importantly, depression has been associated with woeful adherence to medications or a burster plan (Grenard et al., 2011). Hence, vulnerable individuals such as those with mental health conditions could suffer poorer health as a result of discrimination, stigmatisation and isolation.Multi-disciplinary and multiagency interventions to harbor and safeguard those with mental health conditions A blended approach in caring for vulnerable individuals with mental health conditions has been promoted in the NHS ( innovation Pathway, 2005). Different groups of health look at professionals are involved in safeguarding those with mental health conditions. For instance, occupational therapists answer patients engage in occupations that help restore me aning in their lives. On the other hand, therapists provide several(predicate) types of counseling to assist individuals cope with their condition. For example, these therapists propose cognitive behavioural counseling or family therapy to help patients with their thought routine or engage family members in the support and management of the individual (Gehart, 2012). draft from different literature, mental health nurses could also use afoot(predicate) demo to help inform handle plans that are specific for the needs of a vulnerable individual.Meanwhile, a focus is made on patient-centred care (Transition Pathway, 2005) This doer that vulnerable individuals participate in health care purposes regarding their health. wellness and social care team members provide the needed support as they help students survive at an informed ratiocination. Today, there are many types of therapies and interventions for individuals with mental health condition. Watkins (2008) observes that eac h individual is unique and hence, blended approach and choices are essential to create a healthcare plan specific for the individual. The chronic disposition of mental health conditions also requires prolonged support and care from different healthcare team members. Similarly, multiple agencies slang to coordinate care for each person. Many vulnerable individuals with mental health condition have to variation from supported care to separate aliveness. Further, transition from adolescence to adulthood for vulnerable individuals could be a specially challenging time. The Department of wellness (2011a) has provided the Pathways to getting a Life white paper to help health and social care practitioners coordinate care for those with mental health condition transition to independent living.One of the challenges when providing multidisciplinary and multi-agency care for vulnerable individuals is allowing patients to exercise autonomy while maintaining their safeguard. The treat a nd tocology Councils (NMC, 2008) code of conduct stresses the importance of respecting patient autonomy when make healthcare decisions. However, patient autonomy might be difficult to observe especially if choices of the patients could lead to poor health outcomes. On the other hand, patients are also encouraged to participate in healthcare decisions. While this is considered as best practice, some patients might be reluctant to participate in healthcare decisions (De Las Cuevas and Penate, 2014 Goggins et al., 2014 Hajizadeh et al., 2014). This might be due to poor levels of knowledge regarding their condition (Goggins et al., 2014) or inability to participate in healthcare decisions (De Las Cuevas and Penate, 2014). The former could be addressed through patient education while the latter through representation of a family member.Meanwhile, social care has an integral role in helping vulnerable individuals not only(prenominal) transition to independent living but also in assisti ng them find suitable employment. The partnership amid health and social care ensures that individuals receive sufficient support when they turn back to their communities. Hence, empowering patients to take care of their give needs and to manage their condition pr plaints irritation of the condition or development of complications.Safeguarding laws and policiesThe policy No Health without intellectual Health (Department of Health, 2011b) acts as a guide for different healthcare professionals, social care workers and other stakeholders when providing care for individuals with mental health conditions. Specifically, this policy states that upright word should be provided for vulnerable groups. This suggests that treatment and services should not only be patient-centred but also responsive to the immediate and long-term needs of the vulnerable individual. However, equitable mental health treatment for different groups of patients understood remains a challenge in the NHS.For in stance, Nzira and Williams (2008) argue that all individuals, disregarding of their race or sociality, should enjoy equality in choice of their care providers and process. However, analysis of recent literature (Cantor-Graae and Selten, 2005 Kirkbride et al., 2008 Marmot, 2010) suggest that individuals from the black and minority ethnic groups do not enjoy the same equality promoted in the Department of Healths (2011b) policy. Incidence of mental health conditions is still high in the black and minority ethnic group compared to the general white population in the UK. Further, this group also experiences social exclusion as a result of poor housing opportunities. in that location is evidence that poor housing and homelessness have been associated with poorer mental health (Pattereson et al., 2013). Hence, individuals with mental health conditions who discover to belong to the black and minority ethnic groups tend to have poorer health outcomes compared to their white counterpart s (Kirkbride et al., 2008).Apart from evaluating the impact of the No Health without intellectual Health policy on vulnerable groups, it is also essential to investigate authorized legislations that safeguard those with mental health conditions. The Equality procedure (UK formula, 2010) and the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) both promote the rights of mental health patients. The first Act supports equality in the workplace. For instance, the Act states that employers are generally not allowed to await about the disability of an individual before a job is offered. Although this does not exempt employers from asking questions on the health and earth of future employees when utterly necessary, this shows that equality is observed in the workplace. Meanwhile, the Mental Health Act 2007 (UK Legislation, 2007) introduces changes to the prior Mental Health Act 1983 (UK Legislation, 1983). This time, definition for mental health professionals is broadened to intromit different healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of patients even without their consent. It should be noted that patients who pose a significant threat to others and to their own selves are admitted, detained and treated in hospital settings under this Act.RefectionOn reflection, this essay helped me realised the importance of increasing my knowledge on the needs of vulnerable patients with mental health conditions and the factors that promote their vulnerability. Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, serve in the forefront of care. As leaders of care, I will facilitate the care and management of vulnerable patients in the future. This is only possible if I am aware on how cultural differences, stigmatisation, discrimination and isolation influence the flight of their condition. I realised that all these factors are crucial in promoting inequalities in healthcare. If I lead astray to address these factors, I will not be able to provide quality care to my patients.This essay also helps me deem the value of working in multidisciplinary teams and being aware of the roles of each team member. Since mental health conditions are complex, a blended approach is necessary to address individual needs. Vulnerability of an individual is increased when team members fail to consider and address the holistic needs of a patient. In my current and future practice, I should be aware of how I could contribute to trenchant team collaboration in order to reduce patient vulnerability.There is also a need to be aware of different safeguarding laws and policies for mental health patients. This will help me use these laws and policies to lobby for the rights of my patients. The treat and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2008) stresses the importance of patient asylum and providing only quality care. Patient safety is observed when policies and laws on safeguarding are used to the fullest. On reflection, I should run to become acquainted with different policies and legislations on safeguarding to ensure that the rights of my patients are protected. Specifically, this will help me find appropriate programmes or care pathways for my patients. On reflection, I should provide patient education to help patients make informed decisions regarding their care. This will not only empower my patients but also help them self-manage their own conditions.ConclusionThis essay explores the concept of vulnerability and focuses on patients with mental health condition as a representative of the vulnerable group. These patients have extra challenges since mental illness is still strongly associated with discrimination, isolation and stigmatisation. Ethnic background also plays a role in their access to appropriate health and social care services. Those belonging to the black and minority ethnic groups have higher incidence of mental illness and less access to healthcare services compared to their white counterparts. The care pathway for vulnerable groups is supported by different health and social care agencies. Multidisciplinary and multi-agency team working are necessary to provide support to vulnerable groups. This essay demonstrates the importance of set up care and using a blended approach. Patient-centred care is highly promoted in the NHS since it is essential to design a care plan specific to the healthcare needs of an individual. Finally, this essay shows the importance of becoming acquainted with different policies and legislations on safeguarding. Knowledge on these policies and laws will help nurses exercise patient safety and quality care. Nurses will be able to identify appropriate health and social care services for each mental health service user.ReferencesCantor-Graae, E. & Selten, J. (2005) schizophrenic psychosis and migration a meta-analysis and review, American Journal of Psychiatry, 162, pp. 12-24.Cocker, F., Nicholson, J., Graves, N., Oldenburg, B., Palmer, A., Martin, A., Scott, J., Venn, A. & Sanderson, K. ( 2014) Depression in working adults comparing the costs and health outcomes of working when il, PLoS One, 9(9) e105430 Online. open from http//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25181469 (Accessed 3 November, 2014).De Las Cuevas, C. & Penate, W. (2014) To what extent psychiatric patients feel involved in decision making about their mental health careRelationships with socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological variables, Acta Neuropsychiatrica Online. 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