TMA 02 question:
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of independent sector provision for mental health promotion. How might you evaluate the effectiveness of these services?
How to approach TMA 02
For this TMA you will need to draw on Block 2 materials.
However, you may wish to support your answer with material also from Block 1. If you wish, you can add a maximum of two sources external to the module that you have appraised to be of good academic quality. You may wish to describe and explain the dimensions of a national mental health promotion strategy and critically discuss what measures could be applied to demonstrate its effectiveness.
To discuss the independent sector the main source of information is Learning Guide 8. Use an internet search to investigate suitable services, ensuring that these are independent sector services and not statutory. The examples identified need to be providing a service for an identified group in a way that is additional or different from mainstream services. Explain how you identified that these are independent sector services and whether they are in the private or third sector.
The other part of the question asks how you might evaluate the effectiveness of services you have identified in the independent sector, focusing on how these might meet the diverse needs of individual service users. Learning Guide 9 is the main learning guide to support your answer.
The assignment will need to explain how the methods of evaluation introduced there might be used. As part of your answer, the importance of the service user’s voice in evaluation could also be considered. Activity 9.6 Championing the role of mental health service users would be a good activity to support your discussion of this.
It would be also good to include in your answer how the services in the independent sector and the mainstream statutory sector in your local area meet the needs/or not of diverse groups of service users.
When considering diverse groups, you may wish to consider some of the following: cultural diversity, racial diversity, religious diversity, age diversity, sex / gender diversity, sexual orientation, disability.
Further guidance
You should start by providing a brief introduction setting out what your essay is going to cover. Ensure that you explain here how you are going to answer all aspects of the question. The main section should be composed of paragraphs, each of which develop a relevant aspect of the question.
A part of your answer, it will be valuable to discuss key terms in relation to this TMA such as:
- How is the independent sector defined?
- What is your understanding of evaluation?
To further support your discussion, you can use sources from outside of the module. However, ensure that these sources are of a good academic quality, and that you credit your sources in your reference list.
Ensure you provide a conclusion that sums up your main points and explains how you have answered the question set. Ensure that your references are recorded in a conventional academic essay style, using in-text citations and a reference list.
When preparing the TMA be sure to address any feedback from your tutor about your earlier work for TMA01.
Learning outcomes
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- 1.3 the importance of ensuring that the experiences, needs and cultural contexts of people who seek help or use services are able to influence and shape health and social care practice.
Cognitive skills
- 2.1 analyse situations from a range of perspectives and evaluate the appropriateness of different interventions or approaches.
Key skills
- 3.1 read, select, analyse and manipulate both qualitative and quantitative information/evidence from a range of resources including electronic sources.
- 3.3 write assignments, structuring the material to present a logical and coherent argument.