‘An equal seat at the table’: Service users’ experiences of ward rounds in secure care, through the lens of trauma-informed care principles

Abstract

This evaluation aimed to explore the views of service users attending a fortnightly, multidisciplinary ward round meeting on a forensic mental health low secure unit (LSU). The focus was on identifying the ways in which the ward round experience embodied trauma informed care principles. The need for implementing models of trauma informed care has been widely recognised within mental health services. Previous research has demonstrated the negative impact of ward rounds on service user experiences, suggesting a need for change. This evaluation used a focus group followed by semi-structured interviews constructed through the lens of five principles associated with a trauma-informed care approach. Six service users participated in the service evaluation. Interviews were interpreted qualitatively using thematic analysis. Six core themes were identified and are discussed in relation to their application to clinical practice. The themes suggest improvements are required for ward rounds to have a positive impact on service users and promotes the necessity for services to hold collaboration, choice, empowerment, trust and safety in high regard as key principles in embedded ward processes that aim to support recovery.