A cross-discipline evaluation of clinical skills, knowledge base, and approaches to treatment in a psychiatric emergency
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the level of training among current practitioners in the field of mental health evaluating the need for acute care. This study also explored the positive relationship between training and knowledge of current laws about the emergency committal process and patient rights. Different types of training between persons trained in the related mental health fields were found to be significant when measuring their knowledge level of applicable laws in the treatment of individuals in the psychology field. Additionally, evidence was found that clinicians do generally abide by best practice guidelines and are able to accurately diagnose individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency. Specific differences in knowledge, training, and personal comfort in dealing with persons in a psychiatric emergency were found between groups when they were divided into three groups by degree. All were trained in the mental health treatment fields and licensed or licensed eligible to practice in the mental health field. The first group was master's degrees such as: Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, and Master of Social Work. The second consisted of persons with non-medical doctorate degrees such as: Doctorate of Philosophy, Doctorate of Psychology, and Doctorate of Education. The last group was Medical Doctors. It was found that Medical Doctors in the sample had received more training, experience, and knowledge of laws and patient rights regarding a psychiatric emergency than the other two groups. Persons with Master's degrees performed second best on these measures.
Subject Area
Mental health|Psychotherapy
Recommended Citation
B. Charles Ihrig,
"A cross-discipline evaluation of clinical skills, knowledge base, and approaches to treatment in a psychiatric emergency"
(2004).
ETD Collection for Tennessee State University.
Paper AAI3158440.
https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/dissertations/AAI3158440