The Gresham Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital has acute inpatient wards as well as a PICU. People who have stayed on the wards are often discharged back into the care of their family. Three different types of intervention across the wards within the Gresham Unit were implemented over 18 months. A carer and ward psychologist provided a family ‘awareness-raising’ teaching session to staff. A weekly carers’ clinic was made available and structured family work was offered to people and their families.
Co-Production
From start: No
During process: Yes
In evaluation: Yes
Evaluation
Peer: Yes
Academic: No
PP Collaborative: Yes
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Rachel Souster - Acting Head of Acute Pathway, Croydon
The Gresham Unit at the Bethlem Royal Hospital has acute inpatient wards as well as a PICU. People who have stayed on the wards are often discharged back into the care of their family. Three different types of intervention across the wards within the Gresham Unit were implemented over 18 months. A carer and ward psychologist provided a family ‘awareness-raising’ teaching session to staff. A weekly carers’ clinic was made available and structured family work was offered to people and their families. This consisted of behavioural family therapy and was informed by NICE guidelines.
Just over 100 staff attended training, which exceeds the training target of 50%. This is repeated annually. Staff reported feeling more confident in working with families and there was an increase in the numbers of staff-family meetings. 119 carers attended the clinic over a 2-year period with 100% being very satisfied or satisfied and all stated that they would recommend the service. Complaints have reduced since the clinic began.
Family work has been provided to families, and all carers and people receiving care have reported that they have made a lot of progress. Outcome measures showed that carer distress was reduced following the training and wellbeing increased. Family members reported feeling less burdened, and carers perceived their loved ones’ illnesses as less threatening, meaning that their understanding had increased. Before family work, 65% of carers reported having someone in whom they could confide. This subsequently increased to 96%.
