Independence for People with Chronic Schizophrenia and Their Families
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Independence for People with Chronic Schizophrenia and Their Families: an Exploratory Study Using Qualitative Interviews
IRAS ID
104740
Contact name
Ivan Eisler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry
Research summary
This study will investigate the experience of independence for people with chronic schizophrenia and their families, focussing on inpatients in a low-secure unit. People with chronic schizophrenia often have restricted social networks, and continue to rely on their family of origin for emotional and practical support. People living on a low-secure ward also experience a loss of independence during their admission. During the admission, there is usually a process of giving back independence, then returning to previous accommodation, or finding an alternative, possibly with more support. The low-secure unit in question comprises a PICU (Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit) and a longer stay forensic/rehabilitation ward; this study will examine the questions: how do people with chronic schizophrenia experience independence, in relation to their families and to the hospital system? Are there differences between the experiences of patients in the two wards?
The method is a qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews with up to 10 families. The criterion for inclusion is for the identified patient to have been diagnosed with a psychotic illness for a minimum of 5 years. Efforts will also be made to select families with varied age, gender, ethnicity and social class.
The analysis will comprise a thematic analysis of the interview data. The main ethical issues are around interviewing clients who suffer from severe mental illness and their families; these will be addressed by ensuring confidentiality, and providing support after the interview through liaison with other health professionals, and the offer of family therapy sessions if desired.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0633
Date of REC Opinion
23 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion