Exploration of “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting
The Journal of Forensic Practice
ISSN: 2050-8794
Article publication date: 18 October 2018
Issue publication date: 7 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore patient and staff views of a new intervention “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting.
Design/methodology/approach
Seven patients and eight members of staff who had attended Talking Groups in the medium secure wards participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
The analysis revealed four key themes related to the aims, content and perceived benefits of Talking Groups: information; relationship building; engagement and patient involvement in developing activities/interventions.
Practical implications
If Talking Groups are extended to other wards in the medium secure unit, information sessions should continue as part of the groups, as these were valued by patients and provided useful information about transition, human rights and medication.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that Talking Groups have benefits for patients and staff within this medium secure setting. Findings from this evaluation can be used to inform the development of Talking Groups across different wards in this unit.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Dr Kelly Reynolds and all facilitators who worked hard in establishing and running the groups. The authors are extremely grateful to all patients and staff who gave up their time to participate in interviews.
Citation
Tolland, H. and Laithwaite, H. (2018), "Exploration of “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 239-248. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-05-2018-0016
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited