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Exploration of “Talking Groups” within a medium secure setting

Heather Tolland (NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, UK)
Heather Laithwaite (NHS Forth Valley, Falkirk, UK)

The Journal of Forensic Practice

ISSN: 2050-8794

Article publication date: 18 October 2018

Issue publication date: 7 November 2018

129

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

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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