Mental Health Assessment – Case Study
This Mental Health Assessment Case Study shows the positive outcome when Occupational Health Services are utilised.
The Need:
A young man was struggling with his work tasks. His employer was aware that he had a history of anxiety and depression symptoms. They had implemented support services via their own EAP for private “talking therapy” input, alongside any NHS services that were available.
Work task issues were ongoing and a Performance Improvment Plan had been in place for several months, so he was referred for a Occupational Health Mental Health Assessment.
The Objective:
To assess the individual and his work tasks with a view to making recommendations about reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010.
The Input:
The Mental Health Assessment was performed.
The health situation was discussed. The past medical history, personal circumstances and the current symptoms with treatments being pursued were established. Side effects of medication were also considered, such as fatigue due to sleeplessness. Other health needs, including any physical health issues were also discussed.
Standardised questionnaires were also conducted to establish current levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. A suicide and self harm risk assessment was conducted, to establish if urgent medical support was required.
The work tasks and the performance of them was discussed. Specific examples of work situations and difficulties experienced were reviewed.
Further standardised assessments around stress, or other learning needs, such as dyslexia were also conducted.
The Solutions:
A detailed report was produced, which the employee was able to ‘review before release’ to the employer.
Recommendations for the immediate working situation were advised upon. No urgent medical assistance was required, but a reduction in working hours was recommended, to assist the individual to manage some of the symptoms they were experiencing.
Re-referral to specialist “talking therapy” services for treatment and support was also recommended. Self-help and condition management information was provided.
The employer was provided with specific answers to their questions. The report included detail to explain specific work circumstances that had arisen.
Reasonable adjustment recommendations included additional breaks in the working day and time to attend appointments was set up.
Health support meetings and the use of a WRAP and other govement support, such as Access to Work mental health support in the workplace could be pursued.
More regular 1:1 meetings with the line manager to review performance of work tasks were recommended.
Practical suggestions around task performance were suggested, such as using ‘To Do’ lists, checklists, breaking down tasks to ‘bite size’. Writing down verbal instructions. Using Apps and other task organisational software. Taking written information to meetings could also assist with reducing the levels of anxiety and performance difficulties noted.
The Result:
The individual had been able to discuss their health situation in depth with a healthcare professional and also its impact in relation to their work, so this had helped greatly.
They were able to pursue support and assistance suggestions to help them to better manage their mental health.
Their personal situation was now more fully understood by the employer and led to additional health and work task support and understanding.
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