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

    stroudj@cardiff.ac.uk

  • 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