OPAL- intervention implementation

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  One-to-one Peer support for family members and friends of patients treated under the mentAL health act (OPAL) - implementing the intervention

• IRAS ID

  311543

• Contact name

  Marie McCauley

• Contact email

  marie.mccauley@covwarkpt.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 0 months, 6 days

• Research summary

  Summary of Research
  What led to this research?\nPrevious research on experiences of carers of patients treated under the MHA found that most carers reported feeling isolated and unsupported. They need help to overcome feelings of guilt and frustration, and restore relationships with their loved ones and services.\n\nThe recent mental health act (MHA) review recognised the need to support carers during this challenging time. However, there are currently no routinely available services doing this. \n\nWhat will we study?\nA carer peer support intervention in Germany, where carers are trained to support other carers, has been proven effective in reducing caregiving stress and improving quality of life. This intervention has now been adapted for use in England (done in a previous work package for this project: IRAS 302360, see Appendix 1). In this study, we will examine the feasibility of this intervention for carers of patients treated under the MHA.\n \nHow will we study this? \nThe study will be carried out at rural (Warwickshire, Devon) and urban (East London) sites. \n\nThe intervention will be tested in two stages. Stage one training will be delivered to up to eight carer peer supporters (CPSs), who will then support 12 carers. Stage two training will be delivered by the eight trained CPSs to 12 CPSs, who will then support 36 carers. Experiences, costs, engagement of CPSs and carers, quality of life of carers and any adverse events will be assessed.\n\nWhat will the study lead to? \nThe findings of this study will lead to further refinement of the training manual. The findings will also be discussed with key stakeholders (including carers, services users, professionals, policy makers and charities) in a subsequent study who will decide whether the findings lead to immediate roll-out or if more research is required before further implementation. \n

  Summary of Results
  This study aimed to test the feasibility of a one-to-one peer support programme for carers (i.e. relatives/ friends) of people treated under the Mental Health Act (MHA) in England. This support programme was developed in a previous study for the OPAL project.

  Questionnaires were provided to carers before and after receiving peer support to assess any changes related to their quality of life, mental wellbeing and caregiver burden. Health economic assessments were also provided and the costs of providing training and support were measured. Interviews were done with carers, CPSs, service users and professionals to explore their experiences of the programme or the potential wider impact of carer peer support.

  Through the questionnaires, we found that carers’ caregiver burden was reduced after receiving the peer support programme and their mental health-related quality of life increased.

  Through the interviews, carers and CPSs reported receiving or providing emotional support through understanding. CPSs also provided guidance around the mental health system and offered practical information around finances and housing. This was generally informed by what CPSs found helpful during their relative/friends’ MHA treatment. Carers valued the flexibility of their CPSs, who arranged meetings with the carers at times that best suited them. Carers also really valued their CPS being there when they needed them and felt that their CPS provided them with a sense of hope for their relative/ friends’ future. Carers also reported having a better understanding of the MHA, which led them to become more involved in their relative/ friends’ care.

  CPSs reported feeling a valued as part of the programme as both a member of the support team and in helping others who were going through similar experiences.

  Carer peer support has been found to benefit both carers and CPSs, with the potential to also benefit service users. To introduce this programme more widely to add to the benefits reported, it is important that support is offered by a consistent peer contact and that the programme is flexible to carers’ needs/ routines.

• REC name

  North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2

• REC reference

  22/NS/0114

• Date of REC Opinion

  10 Oct 2022

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion