Exploring service users’ experience of community meetings in a high secure service

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore service users’ experience of community meetings (CMs) within a high secure setting. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative design was employed in which focus groups were used to capture service users’ experience of CMs. In all, 12 focus groups comprising a total of 27 participants were carried out using a semi-structured interview schedule. Data were analysed using thematic and saliency analysis, identifying themes which were pertinent to the research aims. Findings: Positive experiences reported by service users included a safe space to explore ward issues and develop skills, with some viewing the meeting as a therapeutic forum in which to facilitate personal growth. Research limitations/implications: There were a wide range of patient presentations and views. Furthermore, only 20 per cent of the patient population were included within this study. Practical implications: A number of recommendations have been identified that can have positive implications for patients (quality of life and recovery), staff (resolving conflicts and problem-solving) and the overall therapeutic milieu of the ward. Originality/value: There are no reviews looking at CMs within the last decade. This paper brings the understanding up to date to allow the development of this potentially positive tool.