Family Interventions iN Dementia Mental health Environments (FIND ME)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Family Interventions iN Dementia Mental health Environments (FIND ME)
IRAS ID
345161
Contact name
Emma Wolverson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of West London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aim
This study aims to understand the needs of informal, unpaid carers (family, friends, or partners) when a person living with dementia is detained in a mental health ward. The goal is to help mental health wards support carers and include them as partners in care.Background
Specialist dementia wards in Mental Health Trusts care for the most unwell, vulnerable, and high-risk people with dementia, often detained under the Mental Health Act (1983) following self-harm, suicide attempts, or serious assaults on carers. This situation causes significant trauma and distress for carers. However, MHWs often fail to support carers or involve them in decision-making, with NHS reviews highlighting a culture that views carers as a problem. Carers describe mental health wards as places of battle and feel marginalized. Supporting carers during mental health admissions can improve experiences for both people with dementia and carers and aid in returning home, but there is no guidance on how mental health wards should support and involve carers.Design and Methods
1. National Survey: Map every mental health ward for people with dementia in the UK (approximately 100) to identify current practices with families.
2. Interviews: In three mental health wards, conduct 72 interviews with carers, families, and people with dementia over a year to understand their experiences. Additionally, interview 24 carers of discharged people with dementia to examine long-term impacts.
3. Observations: Spend 90 days observing staff interactions with carers in the three mental health wards.
4. Co-Design: Collaborate with carers, families, people with dementia, and ward staff to define good carer support and involvement and co-design practical strategies.
5. Implementation: Introduce these strategies and resources to mental health wards across the UK to ensure they are practical and effective.REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0040
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion