Mixed methods investigation into provision of family rooms and support for parents admitted to psychiatric inpatient units and their children: Study protocol

Abstract

Background Of 97,000 psychiatric inpatient admissions in England in 2022, 12–45% are thought to have had dependent children. The hospitalisation of parents requires separation from children; this is a source of distress for both parents and their children and can exacerbate parental symptoms, disrupt the parent-child relationship and is associated with negative child outcomes. Currently, most psychiatric wards have inadequate provision for child visitation, including unsatisfactory family rooms. Improved provision for family visits has been identified as a mechanism through which parent-child connection could be improved (1,2). This study aims to capture the perception and experience of family visitations during parents’ psychiatric hospitalisation from the perspective of parents, carers, children and young people (CYP) and healthcare professionals (HCP). Methods The study employs an exploratory sequential mixed method design in which qualitative data collected during online interviews (work package 1) will inform the design of a subsequent questionnaire (work package 2). The results of both will be utilised to inform the co-production process for a future Family Visit Pack. Participants (12–16 parents, 6–10 carers, 12–16 HCP) will partake in 0–60-minute semi-structured interviews. In additional 6–10 CYPs will partake in interviews, using the “draw, write, tell” approach to share their experiences. The data from these interviews will be transcribed, anonymised and analysed with a five-stage framework analysis. Results from the interviews will inform the questionnaires for work package 2 which 50 parents, 25 HCPs and 25 carers will complete. Qualitative data will be subject to framework analysis and descriptive statistics will be generated from the questionnaire data. Development of topic guides, interview administration, framework analysis and questionnaire development will be supported by lived experience researchers. Discussion This research will allow a better understanding of the experiences of families when visiting parents in inpatient units, as well as exploring which environmental and service delivery changes are priorities for parents, CYP, carers and HCPs. Trial Registrations IRAS Number: IRAS 340906. ISRCTN – The UK’s Clinical Study Registry: ISRCTN69583343, registered 24/02/2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN69583343

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. PLoS ONE, 2026 · DOI ↗