Support networks in the context of recovery V1_0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding service users' experiences of support networks during recovery within secure mental health settings
IRAS ID
336134
Contact name
James Stroud
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Several studies highlight the importance of familial and social support for individuals (Thomas et al., 2017; Umberson et al., 2010) across the lifespan. However, this area of research is in its infancy within the context of secure mental health settings. There has also been little consideration of the definitions of ‘support’ beyond familial relations from the service user perspective within a secure care hospital setting. This study intends to explore the experiences and personal meanings of support networks during recovery in secure mental health settings from the service users’ perspective.
Service users from two secure forensic mental health settings in South Wales (one NHS setting and one private setting) will be invited to participate in an approximately 90-minute interview that broadly explores their personal experiences of support networks. Potential participants will be identified by clinical care teams and those interested will be given a Participant Information Sheet and a Consent form to ensure that they understand the purpose of the research and can give informed consent to proceed. Demographic information will be gathered; however, all data will be pseudonymised to protect the participant’s identity.
Interviews will be audio recorded and stored securely, aligned with the health board policy and Cardiff University policy. The lead researcher will analyse the information gathered during these interviews using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
All participants will be given a £20 high street retailer voucher for participation.
The study aims to capture a more accurate understanding of the experiences of support in the context of recovery within secure care settings. The study will contribute to an under-researched topic, give rise to the service user voice in an under-represented population, inform staff therapeutic relationships, and inform the nature and involvement of support networks at all stages of an individual’s recovery.
Findings are to be disseminated through publication.
REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
24/WA/0192
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion