Haley Jackson1, Jane Wray2, Eric Gardiner3, Tracy Flanagan4. 1. Research Nurse, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, UK. 2. Director of Research, Department of Nursing, University of Hull, UK. 3. Statistician, Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work, University of Hull, UK. 4. Deputy Director of Nursing, Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Involving carers is a key priority in mental health services. Carers report the sharing of service users' safety information by mental health nurses is problematic and seldom takes place. AIMS: The impact of an intervention on consensus between nurses and carers on perceptions of risk was investigated. METHODS: Carer-nurse risk consensus scores were measured pre- and post-introduction of a structured dialogue (paired t-test/ANOVA). Carer experience with involvement was surveyed pre-test (n = 60) and compared with the post-test intervention group (n = 32) (chi-square tests of linear-by-linear association). RESULTS: Consensus and perceptions regarding type and severity of risk did not change significantly for carers or nurses after engaging in a structured dialogue. Statistically significant differences were found with carers reporting higher levels of satisfaction with services in four out of six areas surveyed. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide support for increasing carer contribution to discussions regarding risk. Further work to embed carer involvement in clinical practice is warranted.
BACKGROUND: Involving carers is a key priority in mental health services. Carers report the sharing of service users' safety information by mental health nurses is problematic and seldom takes place. AIMS: The impact of an intervention on consensus between nurses and carers on perceptions of risk was investigated. METHODS: Carer-nurse risk consensus scores were measured pre- and post-introduction of a structured dialogue (paired t-test/ANOVA). Carer experience with involvement was surveyed pre-test (n = 60) and compared with the post-test intervention group (n = 32) (chi-square tests of linear-by-linear association). RESULTS: Consensus and perceptions regarding type and severity of risk did not change significantly for carers or nurses after engaging in a structured dialogue. Statistically significant differences were found with carers reporting higher levels of satisfaction with services in four out of six areas surveyed. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide support for increasing carer contribution to discussions regarding risk. Further work to embed carer involvement in clinical practice is warranted.
Authors: Simone Farrelly; Helen Lester; Diana Rose; Max Birchwood; Max Marshall; Waquas Waheed; R Claire Henderson; George Szmukler; Graham Thornicroft Journal: Qual Health Res Date: 2015-01-12