Mental Health Inpatient Staff-Patient Alliance Study (MISPA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Staff-patient relationships in acute mental health wards
IRAS ID
193467
Contact name
Laura Wainwright
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
16/NW/0079, NW Haydock
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Each year about 7% of people involved in mental health services stay in an in-patient ward. Incidents, like self-harm or outbursts, are common and unhelpful for patient’s recovery. Sometimes these behaviours can be linked to how a patient expressed their emotions and can sometimes be understood by looking at relationships (alliance) with staff. When staff and patients have a positive relationship there seem to be fewer incidents. This may be because patients are able to express their emotions in a more helpful way. Our ability to build relationships develops in childhood (attachment). Attachment, alliance and the way we express our emotions are all linked. Also, research has found that if patients feel trapped or defeated they may feel suicidal.
This study will look at: the alliance between staff and patients on inpatient wards; the impact of alliance on patient’s behaviour; how patients manage their emotions; patient’s feelings of suicidality and how trapped and defeated they feel.
Fifty pairs of patients and staff will complete questionnaires. Patients will complete questionnaires about their symptoms; alliance with staff; how they relate to others; and if they feel suicidal, defeated or trapped. Staff will complete questionnaires about their alliance with the patient; how they relate to others; and how they view the patient’s behaviour.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0079
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion