Older people with mental health needs in Emergency Care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study to explore care provision to older people with mental health needs who access pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care service (EMS).
IRAS ID
172571
Contact name
Assumpta Ryan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Ulster
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 9 months, 4 days
Research summary
A study to explore care provision to older people with mental health needs who access pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care service (EMS).
Background
The numbers of older people in society are increasing, which has led to an associated increase in the numbers of older people admitted to acute care areas. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2005) state that there is also a rise in the numbers of people in the general population who are experiencing mental health issues, with sixty per cent of patients over 65 in general hospital beds also having a mental health problem. However, there has been little research and planning undertaken to establish the extent of service that will be required in the future. An exploration of how the acute health care system functions for care of older people with mental health needs, their carers/partners and the health care team would be beneficial in education and health care planning.
Aim of the study
To explore person centred care provision to older people with mental health needs who access pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency care service (EMS)
Design of the study
This study consists of two stand-alone stages.
1. Stage one will set the study in context of what is happening to the health care system in Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Trusts for older people with mental health needs. The Health and Social Care (HSC) Honest Broker database will be analysed to provide descriptive statistical information that will underpin and justify the importance of future planning in this under researched area.2. Stage two is an exploration of the experience of the health care system from the service user, carer/partner and EMS staff perspective (doctors, nurses, nursing auxiliaries, paramedics, ambulance technicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team in the emergency department). Participants will be recruited for one-to-one interviews from one emergency care area in Northern Ireland. The participants will be involved in interview stage only, which will last for one hour.
The study is part of a PhD programme that will last 5 years.
REC name
HSC REC A
REC reference
15/NI/0067
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion