A case study of a service for older adults (aged 65+) with CERN. V1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A case study of a service for older adults (aged 65+) with complex emotional and relational needs(CERN), exploring the experiences of service users and staff.
IRAS ID
357925
Contact name
Suzanne Hodge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
There is a lack of research evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for older adults (OA) with a diagnosis of personality disorder (PD). None of the existing studies are in the UK or have considered the experiences of service users. The term PD is contentious because of the stigma linked to the label and is generally considered an unhelpful, negative term by those with the diagnosis. More commonly, in recent years, the preferred description of these difficulties is that of complex emotional and relational needs (CERN).
Despite increasing prevalence rates there are few services specifically for OA with CERN in the UK. This is partially due to a misconception that CERN are un-treatable and because these needs are harder to identify in OA.
The aim of this research is to undertake a case study of the only NHS mental health service in the UK to offer a range of interventions for OA with CERN. It seeks to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of those receiving and delivering this service.
This research will involve 12 qualitative interviews with eight service users, aged 65+ and four clinical staff. Participants will be recruited from the service.
The interviews will last approximately 60 minutes on Teams, face-to-face or by phone. The interviews will ask participants about their experience of receiving or delivering the service. Patterns in what participants report will be identified and used to generate a theoretical service model to inform the future design and delivery of services for this population group.
A Clinical Psychologist, the NHS Service Lead and and Older Adults Experts by Experience Group have been involved in the design of the research and recruitment of participants.
Findings will aim to be published in an academic journal and shared more widely through social media, charities, and the NHS.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0034
Date of REC Opinion
10 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion