Biography
Biography: Fiona Martin
Abstract
There is a quiet revolution happening in mental health care, in particular in the response to psychosis and crisis. Many patients and their families feel they are still not being listened to or being invited to be part of the decisions made about their care/treatment. They are no longer content with the traditional system where the professional is the sole expert, and with the lack of recognition for the expertise of the patient and family. A more fundamental way of structuring mental health services that authentically places the patient and family/network at its centre is needed. Open Dialogue, which is a relatively new system, originating in Finland, may provide a significant advance to address these issues and is being piloted in several countries worldwide. In the UK four trusts are preparing to be part of the first multi-site Open Dialogue pilot. In the United States of America the principles of Open Dialogue are being integrated into mental health systems in a number of states. The Parachute Project in New York City has attracted much international interest and state funding and is the first time Open Dialogue has been piloted in a major urban environment. Open Dialogue attests to the importance of ensuring all voices are heard and responded to. It is critical that in this transformative time in mental health care that mental health nursing has a voice, a voice that is heard and responded to. There are important learning points for mental health nursing on which to reflect.