Experiences of mental health inpatient care for Black patients v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of mental health inpatient care for Black patients.
IRAS ID
316705
Contact name
Suzanne Hodge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Exploration into the experiences of detention for people of the global majority is sparse, however the research that is available has acknowledged that the experiences of these groups of people are unique, racialised and racist. Research has identified that being subject to acts of discrimination such as racism, can lead to negative physical health and mental health outcomes, and increased risk behaviours such as suicidal behaviour. Perceived discrimination is related to increased suicide ideation and capability in Black adults but not their white counterparts.
There is a need to understand the nuances within the culturally specific experience of racial discrimination to understand how they relate to a person's lived experience, and how this influences a person’s experience of managing distress whilst using care services provided by the National Health Service (NHS). Therefore, this study will aim to explore the experiences of psychiatric inpatient care for Black people with a particular focus on understanding the role of racial discrimination within these experiences. Participants in the study will include people who are currently receiving psychiatric inpatient care – formally, or informally, due to their risk status. Participants will be asked about their experiences of being cared for within an inpatient setting. This is to capture their perspective of the interactions and understand how this may have impacted on their relationships with others on the ward, ability to communicate distress and seek support, and their level of risk. Within the interview participants will be asked whether they perceive their race to have influenced any of these aspects, in order for the researcher to gain some insight into the role of perceived racial discrimination.Summary of Research Findings
This research aimed to develop an understanding of inpatient experiences for Black patients with a specific interest in the role of discrimination and whether this influences their experience. This was conducted by interviewing Black inpatients in mental health settings and exploring their perception of their experiences. Transcription of the interviews were then analysed to generate concepts relating to experiences and identified 4 key themes: Loss of freedom and feeling stuck; The clash of spirituality, religion and mental health; The relationship with staff; and Being Black changes things. The findings indicate that feeling stuck, relationships with staff, conflicting agendas and differential treatment because of being Black were central factors in participants’ experiences. This research emphasises the need for collaborative relationships between patients and professionals, and recommends that patients are included in conversations about their reasons for admission, care and treatment, and that their cultural beliefs and support systems are considered as part of their care plan. This recommendation is also supported by professional guidelines and policies that recommend patient involvement. Additionally, appropriate training should be available to all staff working with individuals of Black ethnicity, and regular reflective practice should be accessible as spaces for professionals to consider intentions and initiatives that can support the experiences of care for people of Black ethnicity.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0344
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion