Psychological therapies and interventions specification: consultation analysis

9 Outcome 6: We fully involve people, their families and carers

Introduction

This chapter presents feedback on Outcome 6 which states that: “Services delivering the Psychological Therapies and Interventions Specification will continue to work in partnership with people, their families, and carers to shape aspects of service design, delivery and review.” It then sets out a number of statements that describes how this will be achieved.

Question 38

How far do you agree that the statements within Outcome 6 will improve the experiences of people accessing psychological therapies and interventions?

Table C30 presents the quantitative response to Question 38. This shows that:

• three-quarters of all consultation respondents who answered Question 38 either agreed or strongly agreed (75%) that the statements within Outcome 6 will improve the experiences of people accessing psychological therapies and interventions
• 19% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 6% either disagreed or strongly disagreed

Question 39

How far do you agree that the statements within Outcome 6 will improve the outcomes of people accessing psychological therapies and interventions?

Table C31 presents the quantitative response to Question 39. This shows that:

• around two-thirds of all consultation respondents who answered Question 39 either agreed or strongly agreed (67%) that the statements within Outcome 6 will improve the outcomes of people accessing psychological therapies and interventions
• a relatively large proportion of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed (25%) with this statement
• 7% either disagreed or strongly disagreed

Question 40

How far do you agree that the statements within Outcome 6 successfully sets out to individuals, their families and carers what they can expect when services fully involve people, their families and carers?

Table C32 presents the quantitative response to Question 40. This shows that:

• a vast majority of all consultation respondents who answered Question 40 either agreed or strongly agreed (81%) that the statements within Outcome 6 clearly set out to individuals, their families and carers what they can expect when services fully involve people, their families and carers
• 18% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 1% either disagreed or strongly disagreed

Question 41

We know that currently not everyone has the same experiences or outcomes when they access psychological therapies and services. We want the specification to help make sure that services meet your needs whoever you are and whatever your background. How far do you agree that the statements within Outcome 6 will help do this?

Table C33 presents the quantitative response to Question 41. This shows that:

• around two-thirds of all consultation respondents who answered Question 41 either agreed or strongly agreed (64%) that the statements within Outcome 6 will help to support equitable access to psychological therapies and interventions
• a relatively large proportion of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed (31%) with this statement
• 4% either disagreed or strongly disagreed

Question 42

The statements within Outcome 6 are intended to make sure that services work in partnership with people, their families, and carers to shape aspects of service design, delivery and review. How far do you agree that the statements within Outcome 6 will help do this?

Table C34 presents the quantitative response to Question 42. This shows that:

• a majority of all consultation respondents who answered Question 42 either agreed or strongly agreed (71%) that the statements within Outcome 6 will help to ensure that services work in partnership with people, their families, and carers to shape aspects of service design, delivery and review
• 19% neither agreed nor disagreed
• 10% either disagreed or strongly disagreed

Question 43

Do you have any other comments on Outcome 6?

Over half (55%) of all consultation respondents answered Question 43 which asked respondents whether they had any comments regarding the statements in Outcome 6. The main themes are presented below.

Theme 1: A repeat of key themes that emerged from the consultation

Some respondents repeated points they made to earlier consultation questions - see Chapter 2 for more detail. For example, this included:

• the importance of informed consent to involvement of family and carers
• that adequate funding and support was required to ensure that staff and services have the capacity and capability to deliver Outcome 6
• equality of access to services was crucial to ensure that anyone who needs psychological therapies are able to access this support, regardless of where they live, their background or personal circumstances

Theme 2: Family and carer abusive relationships

Some respondents raised concerns about people who may be experiencing family or carer issues or difficulties and/or who may be in an abusive or coercive relationship – and the impact that this can have on a person’s therapy and mental health. These respondents highlighted the important role that a supportive family and friends can have and acknowledged that this is not always the case.

The following quote is reflective of the points raised above.

“There needs to be clear parameters and guidance for family/partner involvement which take account of capacity to consent, coercion as well as ensuring people are aware of their rights in having involvement and this is warmly facilitated and welcomed by staff. This may include ensuring services have adequate accommodations for family involvement in appointments.” - Scottish Drugs Forum

Theme 3: Support and resources for carers

Some respondents acknowledged the need for, and importance of, support and resources for carers of people who access psychological therapies and interventions – and that their needs must be understood and met too.

Theme 4: Feedback on specific statements

Some respondents provided feedback on specific statements in Outcome 6 that they could be amended, reworded, reframed, enhanced, and/or further strengthened in some way. This feedback in part reflects calls from respondents for more detail, specification and/or greater clarity on these statements, including terms used.

More detail is provided in Appendix D, however, an example includes:

• further clarity on how and when peer support would be implemented and what governance and safeguarding arrangements would be in place.