Respiratory care action plan draft: consultation report
The analysis of the consultation responses for the draft Respiratory Care Action Plan for Scotland, which sets out our vision for driving improvement in the diagnosis, treatment and care for those living with respiratory conditions.
Question 5: Mental health support
Commitment 5 – We will work with NHS Boards, clinicians and third sector to promote good practice and reduce variation in the quality of mental health support access across the Country
| Option | Total | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 97 | 81.51% |
| No | 7 | 5.88% |
| Don't know | 9 | 7.56% |
| Not Answered | 6 | 5.04% |
| Total | 119 | 100% |
A total of 113 people responded to this question, with 57 responses being expanded to include comments. Of those, a majority (97) agreed with the commitment on improving mental health support, with a minority (7) disagreeing or not knowing (9). 6 people did not answer the question. To further breakdown the figures of those who responded:
- NHS (boards and organisations) 9
- Third sector organisations 13
- Private sector companies 7
- General public individuals 84
Overall, the general themes that came out of the responses to this question were: staffing; treatment; Covid-19, and inequalities. As seen in the number of 'yes' responses there was wide agreement about the importance of better mental health support, and several responses noted that this is an area that requires improvement.
Breakdown of the most common themes:
Staffing
Staff was raised in a number of responses, with calls for increased training and upskilling the existing workforce to deliver mental health support more effectively, including online training for health and social care professionals. Other suggestions included an improved referral system to identify those requiring support at the earliest opportunity and integrating care models with mental health specialists in multidisciplinary teams.
Treatment
A number of responses highlighted treatment, notably pulmonary rehabilitation and how this could help provide mental health support by reducing social isolation, improving confidence and increasing exercise levels.
Covid-19
A number of respondents highlighted the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on people living with respiratory conditions requiring mental health support, linking in with the reduced ability for those affected to access mental health services and the impact of social isolation. It was suggested that investment in remote facilities and utilisation of digital technologies may offer a solution in overcoming the ongoing challenges.
Inequality
A number of respondents noted unequal access to mental health support, in particular people with respiratory conditions who live in rural areas perhaps having longer waiting lists, fewer local facilities and longer travel times to seek the support they require. As with suggestions for overcoming barriers caused by Covid-19, digital solutions and investment in facilities for those living in hard-to-reach areas was proposed.
General
Some respondents viewed the commitment as too vague, with clarification being sought around why this commitment was included in the Plan and whether it is relevant only to people with respiratory conditions. Questions were also raised around why mental health patients with respiratory conditions were not also considered in the Plan.
A chart showing phrases from the Q5 responses. Treatment had 21 mentions; Covid-19 had 4.
A chart showing phrases from the Q5 responses. Treatment had 21 mentions; Covid-19 had 4.
Contact
Email: Clinical.Priorities@gov.scot
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