Experience of Discharge from an MSU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Service Users’ Experience of Discharge from a Medium Secure Forensic Unit
IRAS ID
218254
Contact name
Alan Underwood
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106 2017 03, Data Protection Number
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
This project aims to explore the experiences of service users who have been conditionally discharged from a medium secure forensic unit under section 41 of the mental health act(1983 as amended 2007). The management of risk is arguably the main focus throughout the forensic discharge process, from the initial granting of escorted leave to life in the community. As a result much of the literature in this area is focussed on the management and mitigation of risk and although this is important it tells us little about the broader, lived experience of discharge. The rates of readmission to secure mental health units are high, with each additional stay costing around £1000 per day; there is therefore an economic argument for improving the discharge process to hopefully reduce readmission rates. Qualitative analysis of rich, detailed accounts of patient experience of discharge should enable more effective evaluation of the discharge pathway to better facilitate the process.
The study will recruit between 15 and 20 male participants from 5 Forensic Integrated Community Services (FICS) within the North London Forensic Service, which sits within Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trust. Inclusion criteria are: previously detained on Section 37 and remained subject to Section 41 of the MHA post-discharge, discharged not more than two years ago but not less than three months ago, over the age of 18. Exclusion criteria are: current self- harm, currently experiencing a relapse in mental health as judged by the responsible clinician, diagnosis of learning disability.
One semi-structured interview will be conducted per participant. The interviews will focus on: the barriers and facilitators to independence and recovery in the community, what do patients perceive as helpful and unhelpful in the discharge process, changes in perceived identity throughout the discharge process.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0786
Date of REC Opinion
5 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion