Mental health practitioners’ experiences of discrimination from service users and carers in the UK

Purpose: The study explored the experiences of mental health practitioners who were discriminated against due to their perceived race, gender or sexual orientation by service users or carers in the UK, and the support sought and received from their employing organisations. Design/methods: This mixed-methods study used an explanatory sequential design with 51 mental health practitioners across the UK completing an online cross-sectional survey and six of those participants then taking part in semi-structured telephone interviews to discuss their views and experiences in greater depth. Data was analysed and reported using descriptive statistics, content analysis and thematic analysis. Findings: Experiencing discrimination had a negative impact on clinical practice with the service user and on general clinical practice. It also impacted negatively on the wellbeing of practitioners, who felt stressed and demoralised. Practitioners believed that most discrimination was a result of prejudiced attitudes. Some practitioners did not seek support from within their organisation due to historic inaction and discrimination from management and peers; and for those who did, support was not always forthcoming. Originality: The study explored perceived contributing factors toward discrimination and established adverse impacts of discrimination on clinical practice and personal wellbeing. Practical implications: Implications include the need for clear policies appropriate for mental health settings to address discrimination; organisations providing resources and intervening to support practitioners in their clinical work; and training for all staff to raise awareness and improve support.