Experinces of Accessing Mental Health Services (IAPT), Stockton on Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesborough
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A qualitative research project was carried out in August 2016 by Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees, Healthwatch Redcar and Cleveland and Healthwatch Middlesbrough which involved a questionnaire being created from prior research investigating Mental Health Services. A total of 44 participants completed the questionnaire
It had been brought to the attention of Healthwatch that the number of referrals made via GPs in the Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar & Cleveland areas was declining, causing concern for patients who are requiring these services. In addition to this there have been a number of changes to mental health services in the area with Tees, Esk and Wear Valley no longer providing Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services in the Tees area. This is believed to be causing an increase in waiting times for the other IAPT service providers as they take the strain of the changes.
An online link was generated and advertised on the Healthwatch website, Facebook and Twitter pages. In addition to this, paper copies were sent to various mental health organisations and the local hospitals. After participants had completed and returned the questionnaire a thematic analysis was undertaken to discover emerging patterns. Any themes or gaps found in the data formed the basis of the questions for some focus groups.
Participants were recruited for a focus group through various methods, such as being invited through the Healthwatch social media pages, the Healthwatch newsletter, Healthwatch annual event and through other organisations who attended a recent event. Participants had the choice of focus groups in two locations and were asked to attend one. The focus groups lasted approximately two hours each.
Recommendations included
A need for improvement in consistency and continuity of appointments
A need to reduce waiting times
Promotion of local groups and classes
A new ‘middle of the road’ service such as a drop in
Additional carer support
A more person-centred approach