Implementing psychologically informed environments in homelessness services: a qualitative exploration of staff teams’ self-assessments

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the perceptions of staff in four teams regarding the implementation of psychologically informed environments (PIE) across a community service and three hostels supporting individuals facing severe and multiple disadvantage. Design/methodology/approach Using a pre-post design, the PIEs Assessment and Self-Development for Services (known as the Pizazz) was completed by staff before the implementation of PIEs and at a six-month follow-up. A narrative review of the results and thematic analysis of the qualitative data are presented. Findings The majority of the Pizazz elements were rated as improved following PIE implementation. Thematic analysis developed three themes influencing staff members’ ability to develop a PIE: Complexities of Our and Wider Systems; Ready-made or Baked from Scratch; and Reflective and Responsive Staff. Research limitations/implications A planned one-year follow-up was obstructed by the coronavirus pandemic, limiting understanding of longer-term impact. Having only gathered data from staff members, the results cannot corroborate staff members’ perceptions. Further research could explore other stakeholder perspectives, as well as the impact of PIE implementation on staff perception of resources, and of a possible ceiling effect for hostels trying to develop PIE. Originality/value To the authors’ best of knowledge, this is the first UK study to use the Pizazz to evaluate the implementation of PIE.