Acute day units for mental health crises: a qualitative study of service user and staff views and experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Acute Day Units (ADUs) provide intensive, non-residential, short-term treatment for adults in mental health crisis. They currently exist in approximately 30% of health localities in England, but there is little research into their functioning or effectiveness, and how this form of crisis care is experienced by service users. This qualitative study explores the views and experiences of stakeholders who use and work in ADUs.

Methods

We conducted 36 semi-structured interviews with service users, staff and carers at four ADUs in England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Peer researchers collected data and contributed to analysis, and a Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) provided perspectives across the whole project.

Results

Both service users an

SUBMITTER: Morant N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7944597 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature