An exploration of how inpatients experience psychosis and usage of internet resources to obtain information about their condition

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Laurie Dahl

Kingston University and St. George's University of London, UK

: Int J Ment Health Psychiatry

Abstract

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Background: The Internet is ubiquitous in modern life. Seeking health information is widespread; given stigmatisation in mental health, the potential for service users (SUs) to profit from Internet resources is great. There is little information of SU use of Internet during admission, which has given the growing prevalence of smart phone technology. There is little research on the experiences of patients suffering with psychosis using the Internet during the acute phase of their illness. There is potential for the augmentation of ward staff psycho-education through Internet resources and this may be significant to SU care. Aim: To explore if the patients with psychotic experiences use Internet resources during their inpatient admission to learn about their condition. Method: A qualitative exploratory purposive study was conducted on three acute wards in an inner city mental health trust. Semistructured interviews with nine SUs were undertaken and thematically analysed. Findings: Participant responses suggest they do not seek information about their mental health condition while on the ward though some have done historically. Younger participants were keen to seek such information though the study found SUs access was hindered. The previously defined ‘digital divide’ was in evidence as SUs were largely unable to utilise their own Internet enabled devices. But access was also compromised by the hardware functionality on the wards and ineffective IT support. Conclusion: The Internet has great potential for enhancing the ward experience of SUs experiencing psychosis, though they do not seek information about the mental health condition whilst on the ward. The communication opportunities the Internet provides while on the ward are an important bridge to an outside world of family, friends, work, university and employment opportunities. Internet shopping provides autonomy. Further research on a larger scale is needed.

Biography

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Laurie Dahl has done his Master of Research on “An exploration of service users with psychosis experiences with an Internet resource on an acute ward, SGUL (St George's, University of London)”, BSc in Mental Health Nursing from Kingston University and BA (Hons), Politics and Sociology, North Staffordshire Polytechnic.

Email: L.Dahl@sgul.kingston.ac.uk