Fathers’ experiences of partner’s first episode postpartum psychosis

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  First episode postpartum psychosis requiring Mother and Baby Unit admission: A study of fathers’ experiences

• IRAS ID

  145128

• Contact name

  Rebecca Matthews

• Contact email

  matthe82@coventry.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Coventry University

• Research summary

  The study aims to investigate the following research question:
  What are fathers’ experiences of having a partner who has developed a postpartum psychosis (PPP) which has required admission to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) for treatment?
  Whilst PPP is relatively rare, it has been described as the most severe postnatal mental health problem. If inpatient treatment is required it is recommended that the mother is admitted with her baby to a specialist MBU. NICE guidelines recognise the importance of social support and involving the father of the baby in their care and recovery. Currently, there is little research into fathers’ experiences of PPP and of their partner and baby being admitted to an MBU. As their support is important in women’s care, it is beneficial to understand their experiences and needs to help families more effectively.
  The study will recruit fathers whose partners have been admitted to an MBU for treatment of a first episode of PPP. Approximately six to ten fathers will be recruited from two MBUs; Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and South Staffordshire and Shropshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Fathers will be invited to individual interviews lasting no more than one and a half hours, which will be conducted at the MBU. Questions will focus on the potential effects of the admission for PPP on the relationship with their partner and baby, and their view of themselves and the future. Interviews will be conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis by the Chief Investigator.

  The Chief Investigator is a student on the Doctorate Programme of Clinical Psychology at the Universities of Coventry and Warwick. This research is being conducted as part of research training on the programme and will be submitted as a thesis on completion.

• REC name

  West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  14/WM/0145

• Date of REC Opinion

  30 May 2014

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion