Trust and psychosis services: Bridging the gap between managing risk and meeting need

Abstract

Introduction

Research suggests that trust is vital for quality healthcare and effective outcomes. Trust becomes necessary in conditions of vulnerability and uncertainty. These conditions may be especially relevant to the experience and treatment of mental illness - not least psychosis. There currently exists a paucity of research into trust and mental health services.

Aims and objectives

To develop an understanding of trust as it relates to psychosis services and their users. To identify practical contexts where trust may be particularly relevant and where research may inform policy, service organization and individual practice.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 21 stakeholders - service-users, professionals, managers, carers - across 3 different types of service working with people experiencing psychosis: early intervention; assertive outreach; and a more standard community mental health team.

Findings

Trust appears to be salient and yet problematic for mental health services, not least in terms of approachability, disclosure and cooperation with treatment programmes. Organizing services around understandings of trust, rather than risk, may be more effective both at meeting need and managing risk.

Conclusions

Through an improved understanding of trust and its effect on the engagement of service-users, there are clear potential benefits for mental health services through an enhanced ability to facilitate access and develop effective cooperation towards healthcare outcomes.