Factors that influence family-focused practice in Chinese mental health workers: A cross-sectional survey

IntroductionFamily-focused practice has become an emerging paradigm in mental health services. However, little is known about family-focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers.AimTo examine family-focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a convenience sample of mental health workers (n = 515) in Beijing, China. The Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire was used to measure family-focused practice, as well as worker, workplace and client factors that might influence family-focused practice. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors associated with family-focused practice.ResultsOn average, the participants exhibited a moderate level of engagement in family-focused practice. The factors that most significantly influenced family-focused practice in Chinese mental health workers were skill and knowledge, worker confidence and time and workload. Moreover, psychiatrists were found to engage more in family-focused practice than psychiatric nurses, and community mental health workers were more active in family-focused practice than hospital-based ones.DiscussionThis study provided important data concerning family-focused practice and associated factors in Chinese mental health workers.Implications for PracticeThe varying level of Chinese mental health workers to engage in family-focused practice has advocacy, training, research and organizational implications for mental health services in China and elsewhere.