A service promotion for a Mental Health Primary Care Service, “Care When It Counts"

Abstract

Executive Summary This project was created in partnership with the ‘’Care When It Counts’’ (CWIC) mental health primary care service, based in East Lothian. CWIC was developed through the need to work in partnership with general practices, to meet same day patient demands. The Scottish Government has produced a number of policies for achieving sustainable quality in the delivery of health care services (Scottish Government 2020). This is a new approach to primary care delivery which provides an accessible mental health pathway, ensuring the local population receives high quality of care from the right professional at the right time, to support their mental health and well-being (East Lothian Council 2021). As this is a relatively new service, the project ideas were identified from the service itself to promote self-referrals and encourage a cultural shift away from people’s expectations to visit a GP. Occupational therapists are based within this GP practice as they have unique skillsets in promoting self-management and establishing meaningful routines that enhance quality of life (Royal College of Occupational Therapist 2021). Through collaboration with the project partner, it was identified that a poster is the most effective way to promote the service on a long-term basis. A questionnaire and exploration of literature was carried out to support the production of the poster. The scoping process using a questionnaire achieved its goal in establishing the views of service providers on the key content necessary to be included in the poster, for the purpose of a successful service promotion. Services are encouraged to use the opinions of all relevant stakeholders as they are the agents through which those services are delivered (NHS 2021). The exploration of literature evidenced the essential link between occupational therapy services in primary care for a variety of populations, which coincides with the existing need for this project. Additionally, the literature was explored which identified the core elements of poster design which were implemented into the poster. vii

An evaluation was carried out to explore the views from the same population of service providers, on the first draft of poster, and to identify any necessary changes. The findings supported in the production of the final poster draft. The objectives of this project have been successfully achieved with the intended outcome of this project being to produce a poster to promote CWIC. However, there is scope for further projects such as evaluating service user’s perspectives on how they have discovered the service and its benefits.