RECI ‘Phase 2/3’ Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Realist Evaluation of Continuous Intervention in Inpatient Mental Health Settings: Testing and refining programme theories (RECI) 'Phase 2/3 Study'
IRAS ID
314042
Contact name
Jenny Revel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edinburgh Napier University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
https://osf.io/65fgx/, Open Science Framework
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 1 days
Research summary
In 2019, Healthcare Improvement Scotland published national guidance on improving observation practice in inpatient mental health care. Observation, often called 'constant observation', 'special observation' or '1:1 care, is the practice of increasing the ratio and proximity of staff to patients when the patient presents as an increased risk to themselves or others. The national guidance document has been translated into local policy in NHS Lothian. This PhD study seeks to evaluate how, for who, in which circumstances and why the policy 'works' (or does not work) using 'realist evaluation'.
Realist evaluation is a method which seeks to explain how a policy or intervention works or does not work, for whom, in which circumstances and why. This is different from experimental research designs which attempt to answer a question about whether something works or not. Initial theories which explain how, for who, in which circumstances the policy works have been developed for testing and refining through data collection. This study will interview patients who are on observation in inpatients wards, healthcare practitioners and hospital managers to test and refine theories about how the 'Continuous Intervention Policy' works.
The findings from this study may provide new and important insights on improving observation practice with recommendations used to improve patient care and practice nationally.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
23/SS/0007
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion