Project objectives
Principal research question
How does interpreter mediation impact on Mental Health Act Assessments and how can interpreter-mediated Mental Health Act Assessments be improved?
Secondary research questions
- To what extent and how does the involvement of a spoken/signed language interpreter in Mental Health Act assessments in England constrain or enable best AMHP practice?
- When might it be more appropriate to use language concordant services (e.g. language/cultural advocates) rather than interpreters within AMHP practice and how?
- What constitutes an effective training model for AMHPs and professional interpreters?
- What constitutes best practice in Mental Health Act assessments involving spoken/signed language interpreters from service user and practice professional perspectives?
Objectives
- To explore and identify challenges and good practice in contemporary AMHP practice when assessment requires the involvement of a spoken and/or signed language interpreter.
- To develop, implement and evaluate a new joint training model with AMHPs, signed/spoken language interpreters and service users and carers to improve Mental Health Act assessment practice.
- To develop best practice standards, guidance and support for their achievement in Mental Health Act assessments involving spoken/signed language interpreters, AMHPs and service users and carers.