Staff perceptions of patient peer relationships on a male neuropsychiatric rehabilitation unit

Abstract

This research investigated peer relationships within an inpatient neuropsychiatric rehabilitation service. Seven support workers were recruited and semi-structured interviews were completed to explore views about patient interactions and peer relationships on the ward. Thematic analysis produced findings with two main areas of interest. The first area was the type of peer relationship, encompassing the superordinate themes of ‘good relationships’ and ‘negative interactions’. The second area of interest was the factors affecting relationships, which included the ‘environment’ and ‘individual factors’.The research concluded that some peer interactions demonstrated empathy, care and group emotion contagion. External factors, such as the environment, impacted the formation and maintenance of peer relationships, as did internal factors, such as the ability to communicate.The findings identified the need for personal and communal spaces in these settings, with activities off the ward appearing to be beneficial for the formation and maintenance of peer relationships.