Starting with Session 0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Starting with Session 0: A Qualitative Evaluation of Staff Experiences of Orientation in Community Mental Health
IRAS ID
360860
Contact name
Kathleen (Kate) Bartlett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Staffordshire
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 0 days
Research summary
This qualitative study will explore how the “Session 0” orientation process is being implemented and experienced within Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) Community Mental Health Services. Session 0 is a structured pre-intervention session designed to provide clients with essential information, clarify expectations, and enhance therapeutic safety at the outset of mental health support. The process is overseen by the Beginnings and Endings Working Group, who co-produced the Session 0 booklet and delivered staff training in Summer 2024.
The Beginnings and Endings working group is a multidisciplinary group including clinicians (psychology and psychiatry) and individuals with lived experience of community mental health services, who support the development and improvement of orientation and exit processes within the trust.
Despite growing recognition of the importance of early orientation in mental health care, there is limited evidence on how such processes are used and experienced in routine practice. This study addresses that gap by examining how staff are delivering Session 0, how clients experience it, and how both groups perceive the materials’ relevance, clarity, and usefulness. The study also aims to understand how Session 0 supports person-centred and trauma-informed care, particularly in relation to early engagement, communication, and trust.
Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 8 - 10 clients and 8 - 10 staff members from across four locality areas within SFT. Participants will be recruited through clinical teams (clients) and staff communications (staff). Interviews will be conducted by the Chief Investigator and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights.
The findings will inform service development by identifying common practices, adaptations, and areas for improvement in the use of Session 0. This will support the Beginnings and Endings working group in enhancing the relevance, accessibility, and effectiveness of orientation processes across community mental health services.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0279
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion