Family-inclusive practice in a psychiatric intensive care unit

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services
• Family Support

Background:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends family involvement in psychiatric care.
• Lack of specific guidance on implementing family involvement in psychiatric settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance family involvement in a National Health Service (NHS) psychiatric intensive care unit.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a newly established relatives' and carers' clinic.

Main Methods:

• A relatives' and carers' clinic was implemented.
• Fifty family members completed questionnaires.
• Nine participants engaged in semi-structured interviews.
• Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data.

Main Results:

• Families reported feeling significantly more informed and valued.
• Increased access to information was perceived as highly useful.
• Participants highlighted improved communication, respect, and understanding compared to prior experiences.
• The clinic's timing and environment positively impacted family perceptions.

Conclusions:

• The relatives' and carers' clinic was positively received by families.
• The initiative successfully aligned with the trust's commitment to carer inclusion.
• The clinic supports national guidance advocating for routine inclusion of carers in psychiatric care.