Quality of life, wellbeing, recovery, and progress for older forensic mental health patients: a qualitative investigation based on the perspectives of patients and staff

Purpose There is a lack of research informing service requirements for older (aged >= 55 years) forensic mental health patients. The aim of this research was to increase knowledge about older forensic mental health patients' quality of life, wellbeing, recovery, and progress, in order to make recommendations of how to facilitate and enhance these factors. Methods In-depth interviews with patients (N = 37) and staff (N = 48) were undertaken; data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Environmental (e.g., physical, structural and facilities), relational (staff, family and friends) and individual (characteristics, feelings, behaviours) factors were identified as enablers and/or obstacles to wellbeing, recovery, progress and quality of life. Conclusions The physical and psychological environment of services needs to be adapted to meet the needs of patients. Therapeutic relationships with staff should be encouraged and a person-centred and individual recovery approach adopted. Prosocial relationships with peers, friends and family need to be fostered to enable positive recovery outcomes. Older patients should be empowered to develop a sense of autonomy to enable quality of life, wellbeing, and recovery, and progress.

Automated summary

The purpose of this research is to increase knowledge about the quality of life, wellbeing, recovery, and progress of older forensic mental health patients, and to make recommendations for enhancing these factors. Through in-depth interviews with patients and staff, environmental, relational, and individual factors were identified as facilitators or obstacles to wellbeing, recovery, progress, and quality of life. The results suggest the need to adapt the physical and psychological environment of services, encourage therapeutic relationships with staff, and foster positive social relationships with peers, friends, and family.