Exploring the Experiences of Lived-Experience and Staff Researchers Collaborating on a Forensic Mental Health Research Project

Abstract

Public involvement in research is advocated by research authorities and funding bodies worldwide. In the United Kingdom (UK), it is considered achievable and expected in all types of health and social care research. However, lived-experience involvement in prison and forensic mental health research remains rare. This qualitative study reports the experiences of National Health Service (NHS) staff, probation staff, and people with lived experience collaborating in a unique research group within a secure mental health setting in England. Qualitative interviews were undertaken with six staff and four lived-experience researchers. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied, supported by NVivo software. Two themes were identified: Relationship Matters and This Feels Valuable, each with two subthemes: Balancing the Scales and Safe and Secure; and Collaboration Improves Our Research, but It's Challenging and Personal and Professional Growth. This study provides evidence that collaborative research can benefit forensic mental health settings and outlines factors that contributed to positive experiences for the researchers. There was lived-experience involvement throughout this study.