Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views
Abstract Background People with psychosis experience more social isolation than any other diagnostic group and have smaller social networks than the general population. This isolation can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. No direct, standardised interventions have been developed to speci...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2020-01-01
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| Series: | BMC Psychiatry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-2445-4 |
| _version_ | 1818460986694172672 |
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| author | Helena Tee Stefan Priebe Carlos Santos Penny Xanthopoulou Martin Webber Domenico Giacco |
| author_facet | Helena Tee Stefan Priebe Carlos Santos Penny Xanthopoulou Martin Webber Domenico Giacco |
| author_sort | Helena Tee |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background People with psychosis experience more social isolation than any other diagnostic group and have smaller social networks than the general population. This isolation can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. No direct, standardised interventions have been developed to specifically target this issue. Stakeholders input appears crucial in the process of developing such an intervention. This study aimed to identify the main considerations when developing an intervention aiming to reduce social isolation in people with psychosis. Methods Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients, carers and mental health staff. Data was thematically analysed. Results Thirty four patients with psychosis, 26 carers of people experiencing psychosis and 22 mental health professionals participated in the study. Suggested aspects to be considered in a novel intervention were: i) finding and training the right staff member; ii) discussing negative social attitudes and patients’ previous negative experiences, iii) addressing personal ambivalence; iv) establishing how best to provide information about social activities; v) facilitating access to social activities, vi) striking a balance between support and independence. Conclusion The suggestions identified can help to develop more targeted approaches to reduce social isolation within this patient group. A patient-centred approach and generic communication skills appear to be underpinning most of the helpful elements identified, whilst specific techniques and skills can help to overcome negative past experiences and motivational barriers. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-14T23:38:58Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-7dff2bd2c8e2492aa602690f6c702d4f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-244X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-14T23:38:58Z |
| publishDate | 2020-01-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Psychiatry |
| spelling | doaj.art-7dff2bd2c8e2492aa602690f6c702d4f2022-12-21T22:43:33ZengBMCBMC Psychiatry1471-244X2020-01-0120111010.1186/s12888-020-2445-4Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ viewsHelena Tee0Stefan Priebe1Carlos Santos2Penny Xanthopoulou3Martin Webber4Domenico Giacco5Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development), Queen Mary University of LondonUnit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development), Queen Mary University of LondonEast London NHS Foundation TrustCollege of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter. St Luke’s CampusDepartment of Social Policy and Social Work, University of YorkUnit for Social and Community Psychiatry, (WHO Collaborating Centre for Mental Health Services Development), Queen Mary University of LondonAbstract Background People with psychosis experience more social isolation than any other diagnostic group and have smaller social networks than the general population. This isolation can have a detrimental effect on quality of life. No direct, standardised interventions have been developed to specifically target this issue. Stakeholders input appears crucial in the process of developing such an intervention. This study aimed to identify the main considerations when developing an intervention aiming to reduce social isolation in people with psychosis. Methods Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients, carers and mental health staff. Data was thematically analysed. Results Thirty four patients with psychosis, 26 carers of people experiencing psychosis and 22 mental health professionals participated in the study. Suggested aspects to be considered in a novel intervention were: i) finding and training the right staff member; ii) discussing negative social attitudes and patients’ previous negative experiences, iii) addressing personal ambivalence; iv) establishing how best to provide information about social activities; v) facilitating access to social activities, vi) striking a balance between support and independence. Conclusion The suggestions identified can help to develop more targeted approaches to reduce social isolation within this patient group. A patient-centred approach and generic communication skills appear to be underpinning most of the helpful elements identified, whilst specific techniques and skills can help to overcome negative past experiences and motivational barriers.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-2445-4PsychosisPsychotic disordersSocial contactsSocial isolationSocial network |
| spellingShingle | Helena Tee Stefan Priebe Carlos Santos Penny Xanthopoulou Martin Webber Domenico Giacco Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views BMC Psychiatry Psychosis Psychotic disorders Social contacts Social isolation Social network |
| title | Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views |
| title_full | Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views |
| title_fullStr | Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views |
| title_full_unstemmed | Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views |
| title_short | Helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks: the stakeholders’ views |
| title_sort | helping people with psychosis to expand their social networks the stakeholders views |
| topic | Psychosis Psychotic disorders Social contacts Social isolation Social network |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-2445-4 |
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