Title: Reducing Coercion in Mental Health Care: evidence and innovation
Chairs:
Jorun Rugkåsa, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
Andrew Molodynski Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, University of Oxford, UK
Presenters:
Domenico Giacco, University of Warwick, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
Imogen Wells, University of Warwick, UK
Louise Penzenstadler, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
Nathan Hodson, University of Warwick, Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, UK
Abstract:
The reduction of coercion in mental health care is a global priority, yet progress remains uneven across contexts. This symposium brings together researchers and clinicians at the forefront of efforts to understand, measure, and reduce coercive practices, with a focus on innovative interventions and international collaboration.
Giacco will present work aimed at improving the experiences and outcomes of people involuntarily admitted to mental health hospitals. Observational research has identified early experiences of hospital care as critical predictors of long-term recovery trajectories. Interventions that promote early shared decision-making and involve families in care are emerging as particularly impactful. He will present the OPeNS approach to shared decision making in hospital and its evaluation.
Wells will present findings from the OPAL programme, which investigated the experiences of carers—family members and friends—supporting individuals subjected to coercion in acute care settings. Through a co-produced peer support intervention, OPAL demonstrated reductions in caregiver burden and improvements in carers’ mental health-related quality of life.
Penzenstadler will share insights from Switzerland, where a range of system-level and clinical initiatives are being implemented and rigorously evaluated to improve practices, reduce coercion, and enhance the overall quality of care.
Hodson will present work on early intervention with minority ethnic groups focused on non-pharmacological and preventive interventions. The research presented shows how we can meaningful co-produced early intervention strategies with under-reached populations and use opportunities offered by digital tools and community spaces.
Together, these contributions highlight both structural and relational drivers of coercion, as well as promising strategies to mitigate its use. The session will consider the role of rights-based frameworks, participatory research, and advanced evaluation methodologies in designing scalable and sustainable solutions.
The symposium aims to foster international dialogue and knowledge exchange, identifying synergies across projects and settings. A key focus will be to bridge research and practice, with space for critical reflection and contributions from audience members to shape future directions in the field.
Domenico Giacco
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