Evaluating the experiences of a staff equality, diversity and inclusion reflective space

ABSTRACT

Minoritised individuals (people identifying as belonging to groups experiencing socially constructed power inequalities) frequently experience mental health inequalities. Mental health services have often, intentionally or inadvertently, perpetuated these inequalities due to historic and ongoing systemic discrimination. To reduce inequalities, mental health services must address ongoing systemic discrimination and improve cultural-sensitivity of clinical staff. One method of improving clinician cultural-sensitivity is through reflective practice groups. This project evaluates a staff Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) reflective space within a community psychological therapies team. A mixed methods approach of survey feedback and semi-structured interviews was used. Staff found the reflective space beneficial for improving their clinical skills relating to issues of EDI and helpful for their own wellbeing. Staff also found the EDI reflective space both acceptable and feasible and were keen to attend future sessions. However, some clinicians highlighted challenges relating to fear of judgment and evaluation from others. Findings are discussed in relation to the growing body of evidence of the usefulness of staff reflective spaces in healthcare generally, and provide specific support for the implementation of EDI reflective spaces. Guidance for developing an EDI staff reflective space for healthcare staff are discussed, alongside limitations and possible future research directions.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Equality
• diversity
• inclusion
• reflective practice
• minority
• mental health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander Bolster

Alexander Bolster (BSc, PgCert, MSc) – Alexander has over six years of clinical experience working in mental health. He has particular interest and expertise in the fields of; acute inpatient mental health, CBT and third-wave CBT for anxiety disorders and depression, neurocognitive assessment and rehabilitation, health inequalities, and adapting psychotherapy to better suit the needs of minority groups. Alexander is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, working clinically in a specialist HIV Liaison Service, whilst completing research developing Virtual Reality programmes for sexual minority youth.

Leila Jameel

Dr Leila Jameel (BSc, MSc, PhD, DClinPsy) - Leila has over a decade of research and clinical experience working in the field of clinical psychology. She has a particular interest and expertise in the fields of; neurodevelopmental conditions and neuropsychology, CBT for anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder, trauma-focused therapies, health inequalities and digital interventions in mental health. Leila had also worked as a trainer, lecturer and tutor at universities in the UK. Leila previously worked on the STAR trial investigating trauma-focused therapy in people with psychosis https://www.startherapytrial.co.uk/. Leila recently moved to Australia and is working clinically in the disability and mental health sector and also works as a Research Therapist at Swinburne University of Technology on the AMETHYST trial investigating two different types of therapy for people who hear distressing voices: https://www.voicestherapy.com/.