Exploring the Experiences of Black Men Through the Decision-Making Process in Secure Settings: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Research has highlighted Black African and African Caribbean individuals within the United Kingdom not being involved in key aspects of decision-making and having more negative experiences of inpatient provisions. The aim of the current study was to explore Black men’s experiences of decision-making processes within mental health inpatient provisions within the United Kingdom, and their perceptions of these services. The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 5 Black men aged 33–40 who had experiences of mental health inpatient provisions within the last 10 years and now been discharged. Eight Group Experiential Themes (GETs) and 9 sub-themes were identified, including: the role of/significance of medication, family involvement in decision-making and compliance with treatment and concordance around treatment. Participants highlighted a lack of involvement in decisions around their care. Inpatient mental health provisions need to support Black men to be involved in shared decision-making and encourage collaborative involvement in decisions.