Supporting the intimate relationship needs of service users with psychosis: What are the barriers and facilitators?

Background: Mental health services aim to provide holistic care, but the intimacy needs of clients are neglected. Currently there is limited understanding of the challenges mental health professionals (MHPs) face when considering supporting the relationship needs of people with psychosis.
Aims: This study investigated the views of community-based MHPs from a range of disciplines regarding the barriers and facilitators to supporting clients with their romantic relationship needs.
Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 professionals and analysed from a realist perspective using thematic analysis.
Results: Barriers identified were: 1) “They will never be able to form close attachments” 2) “Modern social care teaches us reduce risk, reduce risk, reduce risk” 3) “You’re only relying on what you’ve picked up over the years”. Facilitators were: 1) “If they could find a partner they would progress a lot more” 2) “It’s all to do with the relationship you’ve got between you and your client” 3) “It’s having the resources”.
Conclusions: Results highlight areas for service improvement and will help inform the development of future interventions.