Advance Choice Document Implementation
This research is about "Advance Choice Documents" (ACDs), which are like a personalised plan for your mental health care. They allow you to write down your preferences for treatment and support when you're feeling well, working with your care team, and possibly family or advocates. Studies have already shown that ACDs can help reduce the need for compulsory hospital admissions for mental health by about a quarter. This project is helping put ACDs into regular use across South London and Maudsley mental health services. Researchers at King's College London are looking into how best to do this and measuring how effective it is. They'll be talking to patients, carers, and staff to understand what works well and what needs to be improved, particularly for younger people and older adults. They will also look at how using ACDs affects your care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine being able to decide how you'd like your mental health care to be handled, even when you're going through a difficult time. That's what "Advance Choice Documents" (ACDs) are all about. They are personal plans you create when you're feeling well, outlining your preferences for treatment and support. You fill them out with your mental health care team, and you can also involve family, friends, or advocates if you wish. The idea is that everyone involved knows your wishes, which can help your care feel more personal and reduce the need for compulsory hospital stays.
South London and Maudsley mental health services are now introducing ACDs into their usual care for patients. This study, run by researchers from King's College London, is designed to help them do this effectively and understand how well it's working. They want to make sure these documents are helpful for everyone, including specific groups like young people and older adults.
To do this, the research team will be speaking with patients, their families, and staff to gather their ideas and experiences. They will also look at existing patient records (keeping everything anonymous) to see if using ACDs changes how often people need hospital care or other services. The overall goal is to make sure ACDs are a useful tool that genuinely improves mental health care.
Key takeaways
- ACDs are personal plans for your future mental health care.
- They help your care team know your wishes if you become unwell.
- The study explores how well ACDs are used and if they reduce hospital admissions.
- Patients, carers, and staff are all involved in the research.
- Your privacy is protected, and data is kept confidential.
- Your participation can help improve mental health services for others.
Who may be eligible?
If you're interested in taking part in the focus group part of this study, you might be eligible if you are aged 16 or over and have previously been held under the Mental Health Act while receiving care from mental health services for children/young people (CAMHS) or older adults. We are also looking for carers or friends of people who meet these criteria, as well as various professionals who work in mental health services or general practice.
For the larger study looking at the use of ACDs, you might be eligible if you are aged 16 or over (or 18 for general adult services) and have previously been held under the Mental Health Act. You also need to be currently receiving care from community mental health services and have been referred to someone who can help you create an ACD.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged 16 or over?
- Have you previously been held under the Mental Health Act?
- Are you currently receiving care from community mental health services?
- Have you been referred to someone to help you create an ACD (for the main study)?
- Have you received care from CAMHS or older adult services (for focus groups)?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study could involve different things depending on which part you join. If you're in a "focus group," you'll be part of a small group discussion with other people who have similar experiences, sharing your thoughts and ideas. These discussions are usually about an hour or two long.
If you're part of the study following people making ACDs, you might have one or more interviews. These interviews would be with you and possibly your care team, to understand your experience with your ACD. These interviews happen after you create your ACD and if it's used during a difficult time. The amount of time involved would depend on how many interviews take place, but each interview would typically be about an hour. The study doesn't involve new medicines or treatments; it's about understanding how an existing tool, the ACD, works.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- South London and Maudsley/Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience-King's College LondonVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an Advance Choice Document (ACD)?
An ACD is a personal plan you write when you're well, outlining your wishes for your mental health care and treatment in the future.
Who can create an ACD?
Anyone receiving mental health care who has the capacity to understand and make decisions about their treatment can create an ACD, working with their care team.
Will an ACD affect my current treatment?
No, an ACD is for future care if you become unwell. It helps your care team understand your wishes but doesn't change your current treatment plan.
What does this study hope to achieve?
The study aims to understand how to best introduce ACDs into regular mental health care and see if they help reduce compulsory hospital stays.
Do I have to take part in the study to have an ACD?
No, you can create an ACD with your care team even if you don't wish to take part in the research study.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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