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Author ORCID Identifier
Date Available
5-31-2025
Year of Publication
2023
Document Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Faculty
Dr. Laura Escobar-Ratliff
Abstract
Disparities in healthcare settings for individuals with mental illness is a pervasive issue that can create dire circumstances for one’s health. However, research into ways in which to eliminate the biases and stigma that lead to these disparities has not yet been thoroughly studied. Innovative interventions using effective strategies combined with a theory such as the anti-oppressive approach are poised to address the biases and stigma that surround mental illness, thereby reducing or eliminating entirely the disparities that exist in healthcare today.
The first product is a systematic literature review that focused on primary research that evaluated the effectiveness of training and educational interventions on the reduction of the stigma and biases related to mental illness among medical professionals. The purpose of conducting the systematic literature review was to provide a foundation of select research that assessed the success of existing training and educational programs in reducing stigma and biases. As the literature review showed, existing interventions have not been based on theory, but rather have been built upon previous interventions that were unsuccessful. Based on what was discovered, the effectiveness of using existing interventions coupled with an anti-oppressive approach and extended patient contact was further explored.
The second product is the conceptual paper that explores utilizing an anti-oppressive approach to enhance the effectiveness of existing interventions that showed some degree of effectiveness. Grounding these interventions with an anti-oppressive approach will provide healthcare personnel with the ability to examine and recognize their own biases and the part they may play in healthcare disparities as well as give them the ability to see their patients for their strengths instead of seeing them as their illnesses.
The third product is the practice application paper which explores the Anti-Oppressive Instruction and Contact (AOIC) training concept as a whole, exploring the importance of each piece of the intervention and why it may prove to be effective where others have failed. The product also carefully outlines each phase in detail so it may be replicated as well as exploring any implications and limitations the intervention may have.
In order to effectively eliminate the stigma and biases that currently exist in healthcare settings in relation to individuals with mental illness, we must begin to explore new interventions in order to prevent further harm to patients and their families. The importance of examining the intervention presented within and future studies cannot be overstated, as they have the opportunity to have a tremendous impact on the welfare of individuals with mental illness. Only when a successful intervention is discovered will we have the opportunity to effectively eliminate the stigma and biases related to mental health.
Recommended Citation
Knapp, Janice M., "Eliminating the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness in Healthcare Settings: Examining Provider Training Using Anti-Oppressive Instruction and Contact (AOIC) Training" (2023). DSW Capstone Projects. 70.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/csw_grad_reports/70
Included in
Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Medical Humanities Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Work Commons
