Strengthening Policy Implementation: A Practice Model for 72-Hour Assessments of Involuntary Mental Health Care Users

Despite challenges experienced during the 72-hour assessment of involuntary mental health care users, there is no practice model to strengthen the implementation of policy guidelines on such assessment in South Africa.

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual research design was followed. A practice model was developed from information obtained from mental health care practitioners and Mental Health Review Board members from three provinces in South Africa. The six crucial questions (agent, recipient, context, procedure, dynamics, and terminus) of Dickoff et al. were used to develop the model. An e-Delphi technique, aligned with Chinn and Krammer’s critical reflection questions, was followed using 21 mental health experts to validate the practice model.

Consensus was reached, identifying the main themes of the model as follows: recipients, involuntary mental health care users and their families; agents, mental health care practitioners and heads of health establishments; process, training and development; stakeholders’ involvement, including recruitment and retention of competent staff, family and community engagement, and provision of designated 72-hour facilities. The dynamics encompass improved and adequate infrastructure, collaborative partnerships, and administrative support. The ultimate goal of the model is the proper implementation of the 72-hour policy guidelines.

The practice model developed stipulates guidance to health professionals in 72-hour admission hospitals, indicating stakeholders and resources required.

This practice model provides sufficient information to health professionals for providing quality mental health care, treatment, and rehabilitation services to involuntary mental health care users.