Why Safeguarding Training Is Falling Short of Mental Health Legislation
Mental health sufferers are amongst the most vulnerable patients that health and social care staff work with. However, some safeguarding training services are currently failing these individuals by falling short of the regulations stipulated in the Mental Capacity Act (MCA).
Introduced in 2005, the MCA has had over ten years to take effect in the healthcare sector. Yet, it seems that many staff are still unsure of their responsibilities and commitments. Judging the mental stability of someone is difficult at the best of times, but with safeguarding training coming under scrutiny, it seems many professionals are hindered before they have even begun.
Why Aren’t Current Safeguarding Measures Working?
The MCA is a comprehensive set of regulations and instructions on identifying and treating mental health issues. But, unfortunately, much of its usefulness has become lost in translation. Nearly 90% of staff admitted a lack of understanding when it came to implementing safeguarding training techniques, citing poor clarity as the reason for their confusion.
With such a high number of professionals offering their concerns, it’s clear that something isn’t working. For the majority of staff, this missing cohesion has led them to become less confident in their decisions. While they are keen to make definitive diagnoses, the shortfall in safeguarding training has caused many to second-guess their initial thoughts.
The number one priority for mental health professionals is safeguarding training that enables them to treat patients quickly and correctly. Without the assurances they are seeking, many don’t feel they can achieve this comfortably and are often rushed or coerced into administering ineffectual treatment options.
How Does Safeguarding Training Need to Improve?
When the future of a mental health patient rests solely in your hands, you want to know you are making informed choices. Safeguarding training that offers engaging and accessible learning opportunities on-the-job safeguarding training can be both expensive and a nightmare to coordinate, an alternative solution is needed.
Out of the healthcare professionals questioned, 92% believed they would benefit from more online training courses and resources. One of the biggest obstacles for an effective diagnosis is time constraints, which prevent staff from doing their job effectively. Online safeguarding training negates the need for lengthy training meetings and allows employees to stay up to date on current regulations in their own time. The increased flexibility could help healthcare staff integrate safeguarding training more efficiently.
Following the guidelines laid out in the MCA is incredibly important, as they ensure that all patients are treated with the same respect and care. If safeguarding training is poor, many vulnerable people could be denied the access to the medical help they so desperately require. By 2020, the NHS wants to reform its mental health facilities, in order to service a million more mental health patients. However, until staff receive a better quality of safeguarding instructions, this goal is unlikely to be met.
In order for any level of change to be implemented, safeguarding training needs to meet expected standards. The MCA is vital to the protection of those most at risk and any misinterpretations need to be addressed. Mental health practitioners work on the frontline of an extremely important profession and we must ensure they are receiving an adequate level of guidance and safeguarding training. Online training courses can bridge the gap between legislation and action, allowing caring professionals to meet both MCA guidelines and their own personal expectations.
