Why do health professionals work in a community mental health service?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the reasons why mental health professionals work in a community mental health service. METHODS: A survey of psychiatrists and trainees (n = 13) and other mental health professionals (n = 67) was conducted in an Australian community mental health service with a socioeconomically deprived catchment population. Respondents were asked to list their main reasons for working and to complete measures of job design, well-being, social support, role clarity, teamwork and job satisfaction. The qualitative results were validated using focus groups. RESULTS: The response rate was 53.7% (43/80). Income (31/43), belonging (21/43), self-esteem (30/43) and self-actualization (9/43) were the main reasons given for working. Mental health professionals, who reported self-actualization as a reason for work, had significantly higher well-being and job satisfaction than other subjects. Mental health professionals who cited self-actualization as a reason for work perceived that their work was more significant and had higher task identity compared with other subjects. CONCLUSIONS: This study is limited by a small sample size and the inability to exclude confounding variables. Maslow's hierarchy of needs was a useful framework for categorizing reasons for work. Some practical approaches to meet the needs of the mental health workforce are discussed.

Job satisfaction and burnout in mental health services for older people.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present paper was to identify factors associated with job satisfaction and burnout among staff working in mental health services for older people. METHODS: A postal survey was distributed to staff members from eight mental health services for older people in Western Australia. Staff focus groups identified causes of work stress. RESULTS: The response rate was 33% (116/349). Teamwork, social support and clear roles had a positive effect on job satisfaction. Community staff members had higher job satisfaction than ward staff. Nurses reported higher burnout and lower job satisfaction than other mental health professionals. Staff members working in newer models of service delivery had higher job satisfaction than those working in more traditional models. CONCLUSION: Surveys and focus groups were an effective means of identifying factors associated with job satisfaction in mental health staff members. Newer models of service delivery with team building and supportive management may improve the workplace for staff.