People with psychosis experiences of accessing accident and emergency

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    How people with psychosis experience Accident and Emergency departments: A thematic analysis

  • IRAS ID

    255934

  • Contact name

    Laura O'Brien-King

  • Contact email

    laura.obrien-king@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Manchester

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NHS001498, Sponsor reference

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 4 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Many people go to Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments for help during times of perceived risk to self, such as when they have hurt themselves or felt that they have wanted to. There has been limited research to date, which has looked at peoples’ experiences of going to A&E for mental health reasons. These studies have found that people can have negative experiences at A&E and have reported factors such as waiting times, staff interactions and the environment, which in turn, can further negatively impact upon their mental health.

    Psychosis is a mental health condition that can involve unusual experiences, such as hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting things that other people do not. We know that people diagnosed with problems that involve psychosis can sometimes feel like hurting themselves and may attend A&E for help. No previous research studies have asked people with psychosis about their experiences of going to A&E, particularly within a context where they are experiencing risk to self.

    In this study we will interview people with psychosis who have been to A&E for help when they have hurt themselves or felt that they have wanted to. We will ask people to tell us about what they have experienced at A&E. People who will take part will be aged 18 years or older and will be currently receiving care as part of an NHS mental health care service.

    It is important to study people’s experiences of A&E, to enable us to find out what has been helpful or not helpful, to ensure people receive the right care and support. The study findings will allow us to develop better guidance for staff and hospitals so that they can provide better quality care.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    19/NW/0118

  • Date of REC Opinion

    25 Mar 2019

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion