Professional Identity

Physical health professionals generally viewed integration as a chance to develop mental health skills needed in their existing work. Allied health professionals already saw their roles as holistic across physical and mental wellbeing. Many physical health professionals said they lacked in-depth mental health training because they had specialised in physical healthcare. Systems-based safety work has not traditionally been part of the physician work profile. Physicians strongly identified with clinical work and saw systems-based medication safety work as outside that identity. Social Identity Theory is used to explain how physician in-group norms shape behaviour and professional self-concept. Many mental health professionals experienced the hospital move as a threat to their professional identity. A culture of physician infallibility can make it difficult to acknowledge and address mistakes. Staff wanted more support with communication, eating disorder care around mealtimes, and crisis situations.