NIHR showcases mental health research co-funded by ARC East Midlands

A summary of the paper, titled ‘Experiences and impact of psychiatric inpatient admissions far away from home: a qualitative study with young people, parents/carers and healthcare professionals, has been published to underscore the importance of these results.

The study, led by experts from the University of Nottingham, examined the admissions of young people to mental health units located far from their homes. 

Specifically, it focused on those admitted to a general adolescent mental health unit more than 50 miles away, to a unit in a different NHS region, or to an adult mental health ward.

Published in BMJ mental health, the summary has highlighted that at-distance admissions lead to additional distress, uncertainty, compromised continuity of care and educational, financial and other practical difficulties, some of which could be better mitigated. 

To address these issues, the study recommends enhancing at-distance psychiatric admissions for young people by providing co-produced information for families and improving communication between services to ensure smoother transitions.

Professor Richard Morriss, NIHR ARC East Midlands Mental Health and Wellbeing Theme Lead, said: “Sharing the findings of this vital study is crucial in highlighting the complex challenges facing teenage mental health today. 

“The research underscores not only the importance of early intervention but also the need for targeted support tailored to the unique needs of adolescents.”

He added: “These results offer invaluable insights that will help inform future strategies to improve mental health services for young people, and we are proud to contribute to this important work.”

Senior author Professor Kapil Sayal, from the University of Nottingham, stated: “It is imperative that we collectively address and overcome the escalating challenges in accessing timely and appropriate mental health care for young people".

“This NIHR Evidence Alert provides an accessible platform for young people, parents and carers, researchers, clinicians, service managers, and mental health service commissioners to gain insights from the study findings. 

“It also provides a springboard to enable discussions around next steps, particularly the implications for clinical practice and service developments.”

Dr James Roe, Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, concluded: “To further reduce uncertainty and distress, support for families of young people who are admitted far away from home needs additional funding and better, publicly accessible information.”

The ‘Far Away from Home’ study was a collaboration between five NIHR ARCs – East Midlands, East of England, Greater Manchester, Oxford & Thames Valley and West Midlands.

To access the NIHR Alert, click here. 

The findings are summarised in the animation below:

The topic was further explored in a webinar held in March 2024, which you can watch here: