Service user experiences of accessing support for psychosis in rural Highlands and the potential role of Smartphone technology: a qualitative exploration and Clinical Research Portfolio

Gilpin, Thomas (2019) Service user experiences of accessing support for psychosis in rural Highlands and the potential role of Smartphone technology: a qualitative exploration and Clinical Research Portfolio. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals living in rural settings who have psychosis experience a number of challenges in accessing support due to their isolated location. These include a lack of public transportation, sparse support services, social isolation and increased stigma. Given these potential barriers, digital technology has been seen as a method to increase access to support. This study explored rural experiences of accessing support for psychosis and participants’ perspectives on the potential use of a Smartphone Application (app). Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed with adults with psychosis living in a rural setting (n = 6). During the interviews they were shown a presentation and demonstration of the Empower app. Thematic analysis was utilised to analyse participants’ experiences and opinions. Result: Three themes captured the participants’ experiences of rural support: rural context, rural community and experiences of support. These highlighted the positive and negative experiences of rurality and accessing support, and the impact these had for the individual. A further two themes were captured from their perspectives on the app: app increasing access and monitoring helps learning. Conclusion: Rural life presents a unique mix of positive and negative characteristics that can influence an individual’s experience of psychosis, social isolation and the support they receive. Mental health services need to consider appropriate adaptations, including further integration of digital technology, when supporting this population. A daily monitoring app, blended with peer-support, was viewed as a potentially helpful source of support that may help alleviate rural barriers and isolation.

• Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Rural, Smartphone, technology, mental health, psychosis, qualitative.
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Supervisor's Name: Gumley, Professor Andrew
• Date of Award: 2019
• Depositing User: Mr Thomas Gilpin
• Unique ID: glathesis:2019-75027
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 02 Oct 2019 15:54
• Last Modified: 15 Jul 2022 14:50
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.75027
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75027