SCENE (Work Package 2)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Focus groups and interviews to refine a structured intervention for expanding social networks in psychosis.
IRAS ID
229142
Contact name
Stefan Priebe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
East London NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 17 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Psychosis affects a large number of people (1-2% of the population), can last for decades and cause much distress to patients and carers. Although patients receive medication, practical support and sometimes talking therapies, these
treatments have limited benefit and many patients remain socially isolated.Previous studies have shown that small social networks are associated with poor quality of life. We would like to devise an intervention to expand patients’ social networks and consequently improve their quality of life. To help the development of this intervention, this study will aim to understand (through focus groups and interviews) the views and opinions of patients, carers and mental health professionals of a structured intervention designed to help patients with psychosis to expand their social networks.
In this study, we will conduct three focus groups with patients, three focus groups with carers, three focus groups with mental health professionals, and 9 individual interviews with patients. We will also show participants some information about a future larger study and ask for their views on how to improve this in order to help recruitment to this future study.
The study will be carried out at different sites in order to understand views of participants living in different (urban and rural) areas. The study sites will be East London, Luton, Bedfordshire, North East, and Devon.
Summary of Results
Background:
People with psychosis often experience the world differently, which can make it harder to connect with others and lead to social withdrawal. Being socially isolated can worsen mental health, increase hospital visits, and lower quality of life.Currently, in UK health services, people with psychosis are usually offered medication and sometimes talking therapies, but there are no treatments specifically aimed at reducing social isolation. One idea that shows potential is coaching people with psychosis to take part in more social activities.
New treatments tend to work better when they are designed with input from the people who will use them and those who will provide them. In this study, we held focus groups and interviews with mental health professionals, people with psychosis, and their carers to explore their views on social coaching. In total, 34 patients, 26 carers, and 22 mental health professionals took part. We analysed the responses to identify common themes.Key Findings:
Participants suggested several important things to include when designing a new social coaching approach:
1. Finding the right staff and giving them proper training and support.
2. Addressing stigma and negative attitudes towards people with psychosis.
3. Helping people manage feelings of hesitation or uncertainty about socialising.
4. Sharing clear, easy-to-understand information about social groups or activities.
5. Helping people overcome practical challenges like cost, transport, or language barriers.
6. Balancing support with encouraging independence.Conclusion:
This study highlighted important factors to consider when developing ways to reduce social isolation for people with psychosis.REC name
East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0276
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion