To inform new guidelines for conducting patient-oriented research in forensic mental health settings.
Approach:
Literature Review: A rapid literature review was conducted, engaging a project team that included forensic patients, hospital staff, and an international community of practice.
Framework Development: A structured template guided by an a priori framework was developed with input from patients and staff during a knowledge exchange event.
Iterative Refinement: Findings were refined through a patient advisory group, implementation study, ethnographic observations, and integrated knowledge translation activities.
Key Findings:
A framework was informed by 31 academic and grey literature sources, organized around five core dimensions: resourcing, confidentiality, relationships, levels of engagement, and evaluation.
The guidelines emphasize principles of dignity, trust, respect, and addressing power imbalances.
Recommendations include dedicated resources for patients, relational consent practices, flexible researcher roles, and sustained institutional support.
Interpretation:
The guidelines aim to promote authentic co-production and sustain patient involvement in research within forensic environments.
Limitations:
The review may not encompass all relevant literature due to the rapid nature of the review process.
Findings may be context-specific to the Ontario mental health hospital setting.
Conclusion:
Forensic hospitals and secure settings are encouraged to adapt and evaluate these guidelines to enhance patient leadership in research.
