title: Becoming an Approved Mental Health Professional: an analysis of the factors that influence individuals to become Approved Mental Health Professionals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In England and Wales, the Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) has final responsibility for applying under the Mental Health Act 1983 to admit an individual compulsorily and convey them to psychiatric hospital. The AMHP role is challenging and legally accountable and unique to the UK context.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyse the motivation of individuals to become AMHPs, and identify factors which may affect motivation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 AMHPs from local authorities across Southern England. Ten participants were social workers, one was qualified as both a nurse and social worker, and one was a mental health nurse.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants identify career progression and professional development as significant as well as the status and independence of the role and enhanced job security. Social work participants value the Mental Health Act assessment as a contained piece of work, with a high degree of professional discretion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AMHPs are motivated by an increase in professional status and job security, but also exercising independent judgment and authority in a time-limited intervention is emotionally and professionally rewarding.
authors.affiliation: a School of Applied Social Science, College of Health and Social Sciences, University of Brighton , Brighton , UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000193:education*; D009042:Motivation; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000523:psychology; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D012949:Social Work, Psychiatric / Q000193:education*; D000068217:Social Workers / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Approved Mental Health Professional; mental health; motivation; social work