Exploring Older Adults' with CEN experiences of accessing MH services

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Exploring the facilitators and barriers faced by older adults with complex emotional needs when engaging with mental health services: A Grounded Theory Approach.

• IRAS ID

  352892

• Contact name

  Sarah Butchard

• Contact email

  butchard@liverpool.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 4 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  There is historical systemic stigma and discrimination towards people with a diagnosis of a Personality Disorder or Complex Emotional Needs (Thornicroft, 2022) and it is acknowledged that staff have reduced confidence in supporting such individuals. However, there is little known about the wider impact this may have upon how services are set up to support this.
  Moreover, there is an ever-growing aging population and increased need for mental health support for Older Adults (OA) (Birdsey, 2020). However, there is limited understanding regarding how services are able to best support them.
  Therefore, the current research aims, to develop an understanding of the facilitators and barriers OA’s with CEN face when accessing support for their MH needs. This could lead to the development of service provision, recognising gaps in staff training needs and improved support for the population.
  The research will be advertised via posters in NHS settings (and where required third sector organisations). Up to 15 people will be recruited. Eligibility criteria include: A diagnosis of PD or experience of CEN; 65+; accessed/attempted to access MH services; OR, MH worker who has worked with older adults with CEN; capacity to consent; can speak English.
  Eligible participants will be offered a face-to-face or remote interview. Semi-structured interviews will explore participants’ experiences of accessing services or working with OA’s with CEN. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed. They will be analysed using Grounded Theory with the aim of developing an understanding of OA’s and staff’s experiences of access to services for Older Adults.
  The study will end when the final version of the thesis which is required as part of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is submitted.
  We do not have any formal funders. Basic costs (up to £1000) will be covered by the DClinPsy programme at the University of Liverpool

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  25/WA/0152

• Date of REC Opinion

  24 Jun 2025

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion