An exploration of synthetic cannabinoid use on a secure unit
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of service-users experiences with synthetic cannabinoids in a forensic inpatient setting: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
326135
Contact name
Sophie Rozanski
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 27 days
Research summary
The proposed research aims to obtain an understanding of synthetic cannabinoid (SCs; commonly known as ‘Spice’) use in forensic mental health inpatient settings. Specifically, this research is interested in exploring service users' first experience with SCs in this setting (initiation), motivations for avoiding using SCs (protective factors) and how the forensic inpatient environment might impact on the perceived effects and harms of SC use.
This research will utilise a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews (lasting approximately one hour) will be conducted by the researcher. In order to be eligible for the study, service users must be aged 18 or over, under the care of East or West London Forensic services and have experience of using SCs on at least one occasion in a secure inpatient setting. East and West London Forensic services are part of North London NHS Forensic Collaborative and include low- and medium-secure wards and community teams for both men and women. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The researcher will aim to recruit approximately 8 participants or continue recruiting until no new information is being obtained (data saturation).
The use of SCs is rising in forensic settings and this is having a huge impact on individuals taking them, staff working in this setting and the criminal justice system. The findings of this project will provide a novel insight into SC use within this setting. It is hoped that these findings can be used in order to make recommendations for future policy related to preventing and managing the use of SCs within this environment. It is also hoped that the findings will enhance our understanding of the ‘drug, set and setting’ theory.
REC name
Social Care REC
REC reference
23/IEC08/0025
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jul 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion