Investigating the effectiveness of inpatient mental health rehabilitation services in the NHS and independent sector
Mental health rehabilitation units give specialist inpatient support to people recovering from severe and complex mental health difficulties. In England, over half of these hospital beds are run by independent, private providers rather than the NHS. Currently, there is little research comparing how well independent units work compared to NHS units. This study, run by University College London, aims to find out how effective both types of services are at helping people recover and regain their independence. Taking part involves completing a 30-minute interview about your daily life, your choices, and the care you receive. Researchers will also check in with three short 5-minute phone or video calls over 18 months, look at medical records, and ask your care team about your progress. Participants receive £20 as a thank you for their time.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When people experience severe and long-lasting mental health problems, they may need specialist inpatient rehabilitation. These units provide a supportive hospital environment where people can learn life skills, rebuild their confidence, and prepare to live more independently in the community. Today, more than half of these rehabilitation beds in England are run by independent healthcare providers rather than the NHS. However, there has been very little research to see whether patients in independent units achieve similar outcomes to those in NHS units.
The ACER study, led by researchers at University College London, is investigating how well both NHS and independent rehabilitation services work. By comparing these services, the study hopes to discover which approaches give people the best quality of life, the most autonomy in their day-to-day choices, and the best chances of staying well after leaving the hospital.
Taking part will not change the treatment you receive, and you do not need to take any new medications. Instead, your experiences and thoughts will help researchers understand the quality of care provided. Ultimately, the findings will help the NHS and social care services design better mental health support across England in the future.
Key takeaways
- The study compares NHS and independent mental health rehabilitation units in England.
- It involves one 30-minute interview followed by three brief 5-minute phone or video calls over 18 months.
- No new medicines, tests, or changes to your current treatment are involved.
- Participants will receive £20 as a thank you for their time.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and will not affect the healthcare you receive.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults of any age who are currently staying in one of the mental health rehabilitation units selected for the study. To take part, you need to understand enough English to follow the interview questions and understand what the study involves. If you are away on ward leave or unavailable when the research team visits, you might not be able to join.
People who can make their own decision to take part will be asked for their agreement (informed consent). If someone finds it hard to make this decision because of their illness, researchers may talk to an appointed representative or family member (a consultee) to see if they should be included. This makes sure the study represents everyone who uses these services, not just those who feel well enough to answer questions.
Specialist units that focus only on specific conditions, such as autism or conditions that affect the brain like dementia, are not included. Secure forensic units (units linked to the criminal justice system) are also excluded, as this study focuses on standard mental health rehabilitation pathways.
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.
- I am currently staying in an inpatient mental health rehabilitation unit taking part in this study.
- I understand enough English to answer simple interview questions.
- I am available on the ward when the research team visits.
- I am in a standard mental health rehabilitation unit, not a secure forensic ward or autism-specific service.
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you will first have a 30-minute interview with a researcher. You will be asked about your day-to-day life, how satisfied you feel with your care, how you spend your time, and the freedom you have to make everyday decisions. You do not have to answer any questions you do not like.
Over the next 18 months, the research team will invite you to three very short follow-up check-ins lasting about 5 minutes each. These will happen at 6, 12, and 18 months and can take place over the phone or by video call. With your permission, researchers will also look at your mental health records and ask ward staff about your care, whether you have been discharged, and where you have moved to. No new medications or treatments are tested in this study, and you can stop taking part at any time without giving a reason.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (26)
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS TrustCity onlyBath, England
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustApproximateBirmingham, England
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation TrustCity onlyLondon, England
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS TrustCity onlyCoventry, England
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedNewcastle upon Tyne, England
- Devon Partnership NHS TrustUnverifiedExeter, England
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedManchester, England
- Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS TrustUnverifiedWorcester, England
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLeeds, England
- Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLincoln, England
- Mersey Care NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedPrescot, England
Common questions
Will taking part change my medication or treatment plan?
No. This is an observational study. Your doctor and care team will continue to manage your care and medicines exactly as they normally would.
Do I have to answer all the interview questions?
No. You can choose to skip any question you do not feel comfortable answering, and you can stop the interview at any time.
Will my doctors and nurses see my individual answers?
Your answers are kept confidential by the research team and are not shared directly with your ward staff, unless you tell the researcher something that suggests you or someone else is in immediate danger.
What will happen if I leave the hospital during the study?
The research team will still try to contact you for the brief 5-minute phone or video calls at 6, 12, and 18 months, and they will check with staff to see what type of accommodation you moved into.
Will I be paid for taking part?
Yes, you will be offered £20 in cash or vouchers to thank you for your time and help with the study.
How to find out more
Helen Killaspy
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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