Understanding User Experiences of Psychiatric Hospital Admissions
Author Information
Author(s): Helen Gilburt, Diana Rose, Mike Slade
Primary Institution: Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London
Hypothesis
What are the experiences of service users during psychiatric hospital admissions?
Conclusion
Positive relationships with staff, characterized by effective communication and trust, contribute to a sense of safety for patients in psychiatric hospitals.
Supporting Evidence
- Service users emphasized the importance of communication in their experiences.
- Trust in staff was crucial for patients to feel safe during their hospital stay.
- Negative experiences were often linked to coercive practices by staff.
- Participants reported feeling vulnerable in male-dominated wards.
- Many service users described their experiences as being influenced by the relationships they formed with staff and other patients.
Takeaway
When people go to a mental hospital, having good relationships with the staff makes them feel safer and helps them get better.
Methodology
The study used a participatory approach with qualitative interviews of 19 service users who had experienced psychiatric hospital admissions.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the user-led nature of the research and the subjective experiences of participants.
Limitations
The study may not represent all service users' experiences as it focused on a specific group in London.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 10 men and 9 women, primarily white British, aged between 25 and 60, with varying experiences of hospitalization.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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