Mental health promotion competencies in the health sector based on a Delphi study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JMHTEP-01-2018-0003 |
| Date | 05 November 2018 |
| Pages | 297-306 |
| Published date | 05 November 2018 |
| Author | Nina Tamminen,Pia Solin,Lasse Kannas,Hannu Linturi,Eija Stengård,Tarja Kettunen |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Mental health education |
Mental health promotion competencies in
the health sector based on a Delphi study
Nina Tamminen, Pia Solin, Lasse Kannas, Hannu Linturi, Eija Stengård and Tarja Kettunen
Abstract
Purpose –Effective public mental health policy and practice call for a trained workforce that is competent in
mental health promotion and delivering on improved mental health. Systematic information on what
competencies are needed for mental health promotion practice in the health sector is lacking. The purpose of
this paper is to investigate these competencies for mental health promotion.
Design/methodology/approach –A Delphi survey was carried out to facilitate a consensus-building
process on development of the competencies. Professionals (n¼32) working in mental health and mental
health promotion took part in the survey. The experts were asked their professional views on the needed
competencies as well as to rank the importance of the competencies. Two questionnairerounds were carried
out in order to reach consensus.
Findings –In total,16 main competencies and 56 subcompetencieswere identifiedthrough the Delphi survey.
The competencies were divided into three category domains: theoretical knowledge, practical skills and
attitudesand values each category representingan important aspect of mental healthpromotion competency.
Practical implications –The competencies provide a resource for workforcedevelopment, as they illustrate
what theoretical knowledge, practical skills and attitudes and values are required. They provide an instrument
to enhance education and training programmes in mental health promotion contributing to a more skilled
workforce and improved quality of practice as well.
Originality/value –A strong consensus was reached within the participating experts, them viewing all
competencies as important. The identified competencies highlight the great variety of different competencies
and competency areas that are needed for effective mental health promotion practice in the health sector.
Keywords Workforcedevelopment, Public mental health, Mental health promotion, Health sector practice,
Mental health promotion competencies
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
There is increasing emphasis on a public mental health approach to improve the mental health
and wellbeing of a population (Lindert et al., 2017; Wahlbeck, 2015). Mental health is an integral
part of public health, and it has a significant impact on European human, social and economic
capital. Public mental health actions aim to develop positive mental health and mentally healthy
societies (Forsman et al., 2015; Herrman and Jané-Llopis, 2005). Mental health promotion with
its focus on positive mental health and wellbeing (Barry and Jenkins, 2007; Tamminen et al.,
2016) is recognised as a key approach in public mental health policies and actions aiming to
strengthen mental health and increasing wellbeing (Lindert et al., 2017; Wahlbeck, 2015).
Mental health promotion is grounded on the notion of mental health being “a state of well-being in
which an individual realizes his or hers own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can
work productively and is able to make a contribution to her or his community”(World Health
Organization, 2014). Thus, mental health is more than the absence of mental illness.
Effective public mental health policy and practice requires a trained workforce that is competent
in mental health promotion and delivering on improved mental health at a population level.
The European Pact for Mental Health and Well-being (European Commission, 2008) and
the WHO European Mental Health Action Plan (World Health Organization, 2013) both stress the
importance of capacity building and training health professionals in the area of mental health and
Received 22 January 2018
Revised 6 March 2018
6 May 2018
Accepted 10 August 2018
Nina Tamminen is based at the
WHO Collaborating Centre for
Mental Health Promotion,
Prevention and Policy, Mental
Health Unit, National Institute
for Health and Welfare,
Helsinki, Finland and
Department of Health
Sciences, University of
Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Pia Solin is based at the WHO
Collaborating Centre for Mental
Health Promotion, Prevention
and Policy, Mental Health Unit,
National Institute for Health and
Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.
Lasse Kannas is Professor at
the Research Center for Health
Promotion, University of
Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä, Finland.
Hannu Linturi is based at the
Method Developer Community,
Metodix Ltd, Helsinki, Finland.
Eija Stengård was based at the
Mental Health and Substance
Abuse Services, City of
Tampere, Tampere,
Finland and
University of Tampere,
Tampere, Finland.
Tarja Kettunenis Professor at
the ResearchCenter for Health
Promotion,University of
Jyvaskyla, Jyväskylä,
Finland and
Central Finland Health Care
District, Jyväskylä, Finland.
DOI 10.1108/JMHTEP-01-2018-0003 VOL. 13 NO. 6 2018, pp. 297-306, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1755-6228
j
THE JOURNAL OF MENTALHEALTH TRAINING, EDUCATION AND PRACTICE
j
PAGE297
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