The CRTU's research has a major impact on both national practice
and policy. It conducts both large scale, national research and
in-depth qualitative studies that provide insight into the
experiences of individual patients and staff. Much of the work
focuses on research into neglected aspects of health care such
as:
What is life like for people with serious mental health
problems?
As part of The Living Project,
a researcher immersed himself in the everyday lives of people with
severe mental illness who live in a deprived part of London. This
offered important insight into the real meaning of social exclusion
for this vulnerable group.
“By standing alongside people with mental health problems, I
can tell the story as it is. I have seen the real barriers and
issues that people have to deal with”
Chris Fitch, Researcher
How do psychiatrists and patients negotiate about
medication?
This study recorded 100 consultations during which psychiatrists
discussed medication with patients. The analysis identified what
makes for good consensual decision-making. The results are helping
to educate psychiatrists about how best to engage in these
negotiations.
What treatment is available for addictions in secure
services?
Drug and alcohol addictions is an important cause of relapse and
re-offending for people admitted to psychiatric wards via the
criminal justice system. This study found that few services have
the necessary skills or facilities to offer adequate treatment for
addiction.
What type of inpatient care is best for young
people?
This study is evaluating the effectiveness and cost of different
models of impatient care for young people with mental health
problems. The early results show that an increasing proportion of
this scarce resource is provided by the independent sector.
What happens to young people refused admission to an
inpatient unit?
Although admission to hospital is a last resort for young people
with mental health problems, it is important for a bed to be
available when needed. This project tracks young people who are
referred, but not admitted. By finding out what happens to these
young people, the study will identify gaps in service
provision.
How can national policy best be translated into better
services?
The NHS has embarked on an unprecedented programme to reform and
change. This project is evaluating four mental health services that
have been pilot sites for how best to implement national policy.
The study will identify the factors that enable or hinder service
improvement.