Evaluating integrated mental health care with and for young adults
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating a new model of integrated primary and community mental health care for adults with significant mental health needs: A co-production study focused on young adults (18-25 years).
IRAS ID
321710
Contact name
Elizabeth Barley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research Integrity and Governance, University of Surrey
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, days
Research summary
This study will evaluate a new integrated model of adult primary and community mental health care being implemented in Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Partnership, which aims to improve access, experience, and outcomes for adults with significant mental health needs. The research will look specifically at how it is meeting the needs of young adults (18-25 years). Young adults are a vulnerable group; they often find it difficult to engage with mental health services due to the differences between child and adult care service provision, and the lack of experience of staff in working with young adults. The evaluation will be co-produced with young adults throughout to report on how the new model is working, and propose changes and/or enhancements to ensure it addresses their needs.
One or more young adults with personal experience of using mental health services will be employed, supervised, and mentored as peer researcher(s) and core member(s) of the research team. With support, they will interview six health care professionals who deliver and support the new model, and 15 young adult mental health service users, on three occasions each, to explore their journey and experiences of the new model. Data collection will focus on Spelthorne and Epsom areas, to ensure the inclusion of young adults typically underrepresented in research (care leavers and those living in areas with high levels of socio-economic deprivation). Findings will be presented at a stakeholder event to develop solutions and recommendations for improving the new model of care in preparation for full implementation through Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Partnership in 2024.
The study is funded by the National Institute of Health Research, Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and is being conducted through a collaboration between the University of Surrey, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, and the McPin Foundation.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0189
Date of REC Opinion
3 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion