Exploring compulsory admission experiences of adults with psychosis using grounded theory

Section A reviews the literature related to compulsory admissions under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983/2007 of adults presenting with psychosis. It outlines the legal framework and examines empirical data relating to admissions under the MHA 1983/2007. A brief overview of psychosis, its aetiology and key psychosocial models are provided. Consideration of mental health within the legislative framework is offered and the experience of being compulsorily admitted is explored. Finally, further qualitative research is recommended.
Section B: The study’s primary objective was to explore the experience and impact of compulsory admissions (under the MHA 1983/2007) on the psychological functioning of adults with psychosis. The study also aimed to develop a preliminary theoretical model.
Design: The qualitative ‘Grounded Theory’ method (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was chosen since it worked inductively from the data and enabled the development of a model.
Method: Seventeen participants (eight service-users with psychosis, nine psychiatrists) involved in compulsory admissions were interviewed. Analysis and interviews were undertaken concurrently so initial findings could influence subsequent data collection.
Results: Five higher-order categories and 47 categories were identified. These contributed to the development of the ‘A disturbing journey: To and from detention’ model of compulsory admissions.
Conclusion: This small-scale qualitative study achieved its objectives, providing a preliminary model and understanding of the compulsory admission experience for adults with psychosis. Key service and clinical implications are discussed. Despite its limitations, the findings indicated scope for further investigation.
Section C: addresses four key questions about the study. The first relates to skills the researcher learnt through conducting the study. The second relates to improvements that could be made if conducting the study again. The third relates to clinical implications, and the fourth to further research.