What is a mental health crisis? Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What is a mental health crisis? The identification of subjective constructions of 'mental health crisis' in crisis services; feasibility of a Q-methodology approach.
IRAS ID
152512
Contact name
Thomas Schroder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
What is a mental health crisis? The identification of subjective constructions of 'mental health crisis' in crisis services; feasibility of a Q-methodology approach.
‘Crisis’ is a commonly used term in mental health services yet little research has investigated the subjective accounts of the people who experience it and those who offer them support. Current understandings are largely informed by referral criteria of crisis teams and reference to diagnostic labels. This study aims to explore subjective accounts of mental health crises in order to add depth to our current understanding. Such research could establish a common understanding of crisis, improve the provision of crisis services, improve the experience of services for the service user and ensure services are meeting their needs. It may highlight discrepancies between various viewpoints. This could assist referral and assessment processes and improve communication with service users and carers.
The 'Mansfield and Ashfield' Crisis Resolution Home Treatment team have agreed to support the study (subject to ethical approval). Referring professionals (from the local community mental health team/GP service), and crisis team staff will be asked to take part, as well as service users, and relatives and carers (from local carers groups). Participants will have capacity to consent, will be able to communicate in English and will be deemed by Care Coordinators as not being in current crisis.
A small number of participants (n=10-20) will be asked to take part in an interview lasting approximately 30 minutes which will explore their understanding of crisis. A further group of participants (n=10-30) will be asked to use the Q-set tool (developed from interview data and existing literature) to rate a selection of statements according to how well they describe a crisis (approximately 1 hour). Participants can take part in either phase of the study, or both depending on their preference.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0010
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion