Mental health crisis services: What do service users need when in crisis?

Abstract

Background: Research shows that alternatives to hospitalization are as effective, or more effective, than hospitalization. But do service users want such services?

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore the crisis needs of service users, and the level of support for an alternative to hospitalization.

Method: Service users recently discharged from an inpatient unit were asked what they need when in crisis, what they found helpful and unhelpful about hospitalization, and what alternatives they recommend for crisis support. Findings were used to amend a proposal for a residential crisis service on which feedback was sought from service users and providers.

Results: Thematic analysis of data from questionnaires (n = 78) and interviews (n = 10) revealed themes centred around “Being There”, “Being With”, “How Treated”, “Staff/Systems”, “Holistic Approach”, and “Medication”. Ninety-three percent of service users and providers supported the idea of residential crisis services. Approximately 85% supported the proposal from this study.

Conclusions: Implications include giving service users a voice in determining services, giving clinicians insight into their clients' experiences of crisis and hospitalization, and informing the development of a broader range of crisis services.

Declaration of interest: There are no known conflicts of interest.

Keywords:

• Residential crisis services
• inpatient alternatives
• consumer voice