Exploring service users ’ experience of community meetings in a high secure service

Mental Health Review Journal,Volume 21, Issue 3, September 2016. Purpose This evaluation sought to explore service users ’ experience of community meetings within a high secure setting. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative design was employed in which focus groups were used to capture service users’ experience of community meetings. Twelve focus groups comprising a total of 27 participants were carried out using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using thematic and saliency analysis, identifying themes which were pertinent to the research aims. Findings Positive experiences reported by service users included a safe space to explore ward issues and develop skills, with some v iewing the meeting as a therapeutic forum in which to facilitate personal growth. Research limitations/implications There were a wide range of patient presentations and views. Furthermore, only 20% of the patient population were included within this study. Practical implications A number of reco mmendations have been identified that can have positive implications for patients (quality of life and recovery), staff (resolving conflicts and problem-solving) and the overall therapeutic milieu of the ward. Originality/value There are no reviews looking at community meetings within the last de cade. This paper brings our understanding up to date to allow the development of this potentially positive tool.

Source: Mental Health Review Journal - August 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research