Working with Complex Patients/Service users

Overview

Whilst there are many different mental health needs, some are far more complex than others.  People who are diagnosed with a complex mental health need often experience significant, multiple or rare mental health challenges that impact on their ability to function in most areas of their life.  Home, work/education, or living in their local community may be difficult. People with complex needs often require different agencies to become involved.  For example they may be in a placement, or have challenges with substance use, or maybe a forensic history and require care all at the same time.

Some of the challenges which a patient with complex mental health needs may face, may occur at the same time and therefore, it may be difficult to address all of their needs at the same time.

Very often those experiencing complex needs may require access to different services than others which may include support from statutory organisations such as the NHS.

Support roles can assist in these circumstances by communicating across sectors/services and help the patient navigate different services to access the support they need.  This can lead to difficulties for the person supporting the individual as well.  The patient/service user may feel overwhelmed, exhausted, unmotivated, frustrated, confused or look for ways to seek out attention.

Participation in supervision and debriefing sessions may be of assistance if you have been working with a particular difficult or emotionally challenging patient with complex needs.

Why is this important

When working with patients/service users with complex mental health needs the most important element is to provide a collaborative approach with the patient/service user.  Identifying short term goals such as assessment of their safety and risk, identify whether the person may need crisis management support and if they have a stable living environment will provide  the individual with a sense of involvement and decision making, but does not overwhelm them.

Whilst understanding the individual’s diagnosis it is important to concentrate on the person as a whole.

It is also important to identify when professional support may be required from a clinician or other regulated person.

People with complex mental health needs may also experience social exclusion or stigma because they may have to move away from their local communities for a while to seek specialised support.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I understand the importance of looking beyond the diagnosis and consider the person as a whole particularly when working with those who have complex needs.