SHARE Support Honest And Reflective Engagement post MHA assessment V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PhD study to co-design a novel intervention to support discussion between mental health staff and a service user after a Mental Health Act assessment
IRAS ID
353351
Contact name
Brynmor Lloyd-Evans
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
179749, EDGE ID
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 1 months, 29 days
Research summary
Aim
This study aims to create a new type of support to encourage discussions between mental health staff and service users after a Mental Health Act (MHA) assessment. This support will help service users reflect on their experiences, understand what happened, and share preferences for future assessments. It will also help staff understand service users’ perspectives and improve their practice. This study is Louise Blakley’s doctoral research funded by a National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) fellowship, hosted by University College London (UCL) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
Background
MHA assessments determine if someone should be admitted to hospital without consent, involving two doctors and a mental health professional. This experience can be frightening and confusing for service users, who often feel uninvolved. Current practices rarely include follow-up discussions. Evidence shows that structured conversations after difficult events can improve satisfaction, trust, and relationships. Service users support having discussions about advance care planning which is shown to reduce future hospital admissions.
Design
This study has three work packages:
1. Interviews and focus groups: Twenty service users and twenty staff will share their experiences of MHA assessments and the support afterwards.
2. Workshops: Service users, carers, and staff will design a draft support using creative methods.
3. Testing: Staff will pilot the new support in role-play and real-life settings with six service users. Feedback will guide refinements.
Patient and Public Involvement
A funded Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) will advise and collaborate on all work packages, meeting every two months. This panel includes eight people who have experienced a MHA assessment or care for someone who has. Some members will be trained as Lived Experience Researchers and co-interviewing service users, co-facilitating workshops, and disseminating findings.
REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0671
Date of REC Opinion
25 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion