title: Q methodology, risk training and quality management.
abstract: The results of a Q methodological study of professional understandings of the notion of risk in mental health services within the UK are discussed in relation to the relevance for staff training and quality assurance. The study attempted to access the diversity of understandings of risk issues amongst a multi-professional group of staff (n = 60) attending inter-agency risk training workshops in 1998. Q methodology is presented as both an appropriate means for such inquiry and as a novel experiential technique for training purposes. A tentative argument is advanced that the qualitative accounts generated by Q research could assist in systematic reviews of quality, complementing the singularly quantitative approaches typically represented in the audit process.
authors.affiliation: University of Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKeown
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hinks
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stowell-Smith
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mercer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Forster
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000379:methods*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D015279:Organizational Culture; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012308:Risk Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom