Mental Health and Assessment Tools: Perspectives from Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Background: Research literature suggests that assessment tools are primarily biomedically oriented, prioritizing the assessment of clients’/patients’ problems and deficits. Some literature suggests that assessment tools may be improved with the inclusion of psychosocial content and a focus on clients’/patients’ strengths and values. There is limited research on healthcare workers’ opinions of the assessment tools they use.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to collect data from healthcare workers to see how their opinions on assessment tools may interact with the existing literature.

Methods: Healthcare workers of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton were recruited to complete an online survey comprised of 27 questions asking about the assessment tool they use most. Data was then analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings: Participants generally believe that the assessment tools they use are limited in their engagement with strengths, values, and many relevant biopsychosocial issues, and should increase their engagement with these subjects.

Implications: Further research is needed to understand if - like the participants of this study - a larger sample of healthcare workers also feel that the assessment tools they use should change the extent to which they address certain issues. Furthermore, research is needed to understand reasons why healthcare workers may feel this way.