Exploring the interactions between staff and patients (Version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the infantilisation of older people in local NHS mental health inpatient services.
IRAS ID
150013
Contact name
Danielle Brady
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
This project will use overt observation and interviews to explore the infantilisation of older people with mental health issues in local NHS mental health inpatient services. Infantilisation is the act of treating an individual like a child in a way that denies their maturity in age or experience (Oxford English Dictionary, 2013). Infantilisation has been shown to have harmful effects on individual’s self esteem, mental well being and dignity (Salari, 2006).This study will explore whether infantilisation is a phenomenon which is occurring in a local NHS mental health trust and staff attitudes and knowledge of the phenomenom. The study will encompass the views of both the patients and the staff of two older people’s mental health inpatient wards. By highlighting and raising awareness of this potentially harmful form of treatment it is hoped that staff and patients can work together to improve therapeutic relationships.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1193
Date of REC Opinion
16 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion