Welcome Home: Improving the BE of People Living with Mental Illness
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Welcome Home: Improving the Built Environment of People Living with Mental Illness in the Community
IRAS ID
347436
Contact name
Artemis Igoumenou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2024/11/80 health research, DPO Reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 2 days
Research summary
This study investigates how the design and condition of home environments can support the recovery of individuals living with mental illness (PLWMI) after discharge from mental hospitals or care facilities. Mental health issues are prevalent, affecting 1 in 4 people at some point in their lives. However, the specific needs of individuals with mental illness, particularly in their own homes, are often overlooked. A supportive home environment can significantly aid in the recovery process, enabling individuals to better manage their conditions and potentially reduce the likelihood of readmission to hospitals. This research is particularly timely given the ongoing shift towards deinstitutionalising mental health care and promoting community-based support.
While previous studies have focused on the impact of hospital settings on mental health, there is limited knowledge about how post-discharge living conditions affect recovery and quality of life. This study aims to fill that knowledge gap by identifying the key features of a home environment that support the needs of PLWMI. To achieve this, the study will first conduct a systematic review of existing literature and organise PPIEs and focus groups with stakeholders, which will inform the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based checklist that identifies key features of a supportive home environment. Following this, the study will involve visits to up to 10 homes of PLWMI, where participants will be interviewed, and their living environments will be evaluated using a pre-developed checklist. This checklist will assess aspects crucial to recovery, such as safety, privacy, and social interaction, derived from and existing innovative framework designed for the psychiatric built environment – SCP model.
The research is scheduled to begin in March 2025 and conclude by August 2027. Through this study, we hope to contribute valuable insights into creating home environments that facilitate better outcomes for people living with mental illness.REC name
East Midlands - Derby Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0247
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion