The role of influential groups in substance misuse in secure services
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A study of the role of influential patient groups and peer pressure in substance misuse in secure services
IRAS ID
372232
Contact name
Leah Jacob
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development Team, South West London & St George's Mental Health Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
Previous existing research has shown high levels of substance misuse in mentally disordered offenders. In our experience working on secure forensic psychiatry wards, we have noticed the same pattern, and have seen that drug use is often related to specific peer groups, with incidents occurring in clusters in the same patient groups. We have noted significant medical morbidity related to substance use on the ward and our aim is to improve the management of substance misuse in these settings.
Our hypothesis is that there is a link between influential patient groups or peer pressure and substance misuse amongst this patient demographic.
Our research will include surveying staff and patients from forensic psychiatry wards to understand this issue more clearly. We also aim to analyse electronic incident reports related to substance misuse to identify any patterns.
The research will be undertaken at South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust, where there are 4 forensic psychiatry inpatient wards. We will be studying the period between July 2023 and July 2025. Participants will be given the opportunity to contribute to our study by answering questionnaires after reading the consent forms.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
26/WA/0192
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion