How Do Factors External to Statutory Guidance Influence Approved Mental Health Professionals, When Making Decisions During Assessments with Service Users Presenting with Suicidal Ideation?

Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHP) are often required to assess people experiencing suicidal thinking and they must make difficult decisions in challenging circumstances that require a range of factors to be considered, not least the safety of the person being assessed. This study explores some of the inherent challenges involved in this work and considers the preparedness of AMHPs, the complex dynamics that inform decision making and finally how AMHPs are supported by the organisations for whom they work. The research is an empirical study based on unstructured interviews with practitioners working in the field. It identifies that AMHPs can often believe the person being assessed is not mentally unwell, rather they are experiencing what the study describes as ‘emotional distress’ relating to stressful life events. The study also identifies evidence that AMHPs feel confident to fulfil their statutory role and reach independent decisions, however, despite some very good support structures, AMHPs would benefit from more enhanced support following cases where an undesired outcome occurs. The findings hope to assist social work training organisations and employers by highlighting the importance of training related to this area of practice and the necessity of robust support systems for practitioners.