'We just need to find space for them to practice so that we can help to make a stronger society': Perceived barriers and facilitators to employing health psychologists in UK public health and clinical health settings.
Saved in:
| Title: | 'We just need to find space for them to practice so that we can help to make a stronger society': Perceived barriers and facilitators to employing health psychologists in UK public health and clinical health settings. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Hart, J. K. (AUTHOR), Michael, P. (AUTHOR), Hawkins, R. (AUTHOR), Bull, E. R. (AUTHOR), Farrar, A. (AUTHOR), Baguley, C. (AUTHOR), Turner, R. R. (AUTHOR), Byrne‐Davis, L. M. T. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | British Journal of Health Psychology. Nov2023, Vol. 28 Issue 4, p1206-1221. 16p. |
| Subjects: | Great Britain. National Health Service, Psychologists, Clinical health psychology, Operant behavior, Public health, Thematic analysis |
| Geographic Terms: | United Kingdom |
| Abstract: | Introduction: In recent years, health psychology has received significant attention within the health sector, due to its application to understanding influences on health and well‐being and translation of health psychology into interventions to support behaviour change. The number of health psychologists in public health and healthcare settings is growing but remains limited, and is it unclear why. This study aimed to explore the views of potential and current employers of health psychologists, to elucidate barriers and facilitators of employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were carried out to explore the experiences of working with and/or employing health psychologists. Opportunities and barriers were explored for increasing access to health psychology expertise in the NHS and public health. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen participants took part in interviews. Participants were mid‐senior‐level professionals working in varied healthcare settings and/or academic institutions. The majority had experience of health psychology/working with health psychologists, whilst others had limited experience but an interest in employing health psychologists. Three key themes were identified: (1) the organizational fit of health psychologists, (2) perception of competition for roles and (3) ideas for changing hearts, minds and processes. Conclusion: Barriers exist to employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. These barriers include misunderstandings of the role of health psychologists and the need to preserve other disciplines due to perceived competition. Recommendations for change included showcasing the benefits and skills of health psychologists and having transparent conversations with employees and multi‐disciplinary colleagues about roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of British Journal of Health Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Introduction: In recent years, health psychology has received significant attention within the health sector, due to its application to understanding influences on health and well‐being and translation of health psychology into interventions to support behaviour change. The number of health psychologists in public health and healthcare settings is growing but remains limited, and is it unclear why. This study aimed to explore the views of potential and current employers of health psychologists, to elucidate barriers and facilitators of employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were carried out to explore the experiences of working with and/or employing health psychologists. Opportunities and barriers were explored for increasing access to health psychology expertise in the NHS and public health. Interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Fifteen participants took part in interviews. Participants were mid‐senior‐level professionals working in varied healthcare settings and/or academic institutions. The majority had experience of health psychology/working with health psychologists, whilst others had limited experience but an interest in employing health psychologists. Three key themes were identified: (1) the organizational fit of health psychologists, (2) perception of competition for roles and (3) ideas for changing hearts, minds and processes. Conclusion: Barriers exist to employing health psychologists in healthcare settings. These barriers include misunderstandings of the role of health psychologists and the need to preserve other disciplines due to perceived competition. Recommendations for change included showcasing the benefits and skills of health psychologists and having transparent conversations with employees and multi‐disciplinary colleagues about roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1359107X |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bjhp.12680 |
