Wells, Imogen, G-Medhin, Abigail, Owen, Nicole, Thelwell, Emily L. R. and Giacco, Domenico (2024) Experiences of support received by carers of people who are involuntarily admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act : qualitative study of carers’ perspectives. BJPsych Open, 10 (3). doi:10.1192/bjo.2024.44 ISSN 2056-4724.
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Abstract
Background
Carers of people who are involuntarily admitted to hospital report feeling isolated and unsupported by services. The Independent Review of the Mental Health Act (MHA) recommended that carers be supported. However, no research has directly explored what type of support carers would find most helpful when a relative/friend is involuntary admitted.
Aims
To explore carers’ experiences and views around the support they want to receive when their relative/friend is involuntarily admitted under the MHA.
Method
A total of 22 one-to-one interviews with carers were conducted online at three sites across England. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and data were analysed with thematic analysis.
Results
Four main themes were identified: (a) heterogeneity in the current support for carers, (b) information about mental health and mental health services, (c) continuous support, and (d) peer support and guidance. Carers reported receiving support from professionals, peers and relatives, but this was unstructured, and the extent of support varied across carers. Carers reported wanting more information about mental health services, and for this information to be consistent. Carers also reported wanting emotional support from a single, continuous person, helping them establish a more personal and sincere connection. Peers were also identified as important in the provision of carer support, allowing carers to feel reassured and understood in their experience.
Conclusions
The support received by carers is currently unstructured. To meet the MHA review recommendations, carers of patients who are involuntarily admitted should be allocated a named contact person, ideally with lived experience, to offer information and personal continuity of support.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences > Mental Health and Wellbeing Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine > Medicine > Warwick Medical School |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Caregivers -- Great Britain, Public health -- Great Britain, Involuntary treatment -- Great Britain |
| Journal or Publication Title: | BJPsych Open |
| Publisher: | Royal College of Psychiatrists |
| ISSN: | 2056-4724 |
| Official Date: | 2024 |
| Dates: | Date Event 2024 Published 16 April 2024 Available 27 February 2024 Accepted |
| Volume: | 10 |
| Number: | 3 |
| DOI: | 10.1192/bjo.2024.44 |
| Status: | Peer Reviewed |
| Publication Status: | Published |
| Access rights to Published version: | Open Access (Creative Commons open licence) |
| Date of first compliant deposit: | 22 April 2024 |
| Date of first compliant Open Access: | 22 April 2024 |
| RIOXX Funder/Project Grant: | Project/Grant ID RIOXX Funder Name Funder ID |
| URI: | https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/185071/ |
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