Discharge Readiness in a specialist Rehab: An IPA Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring Service Users' Experience of Discharge Readiness in a Specialist Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
356888
Contact name
Edward Humphreys
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study forms part of a Doctorate in Clinical and Forensic Psychology at the University of Birmingham. It aims to explore how people receiving intensive mental health support in a specialist NHS-commissioned rehabilitation hospital understand and experience the process of preparing to leave and return to the community.
The research will take place in an inpatient service for adults with complex emotional and relational needs. Most individuals in the service have formal diagnoses such as Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), or present with similar difficulties linked to trauma, emotional regulation, and interpersonal functioning. The service provides structured, integrated psychological therapies to support recovery, reduce risk, and promote independence.
Clinical decisions about discharge are typically guided by professional assessments and risk evaluations. However, less is known about how service users themselves perceive and experience the concept of readiness. This study seeks to understand what "discharge readiness" means to service users, what helps or hinders their preparedness, and how they make sense of the transition to more independent settings.
The research uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), a qualitative method focused on understanding lived experiences in depth. A sample of approximately 8–12 participants will be invited to take part in a one-to-one interview lasting around 45–60 minutes. Interviews will be conducted in a private room within the hospital. Clinical staff will remain nearby for support, and a distress protocol will be in place. Participation is entirely voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any point during or up to 14 days after the interview.
Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and anonymised. With consent, only basic demographic information—such as age, gender, ethnicity, and approximate length of stay—will be collected directly from participants during the interview. No diagnostic or therapy-stage information will be accessed from clinical records. Findings will inform understanding of discharge readiness, enhance person-centred care, and support more effective and recovery-oriented transitions.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NE/0235
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion