Carers of Long-Stay Patients’ Perspectives of Secure Forensic Care: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

AbstractBackground: For patients with a mental disorder facing lengthy stays in secure forensic care, the role and experiences of their carers has only recently started to be explored in research.Aims: To explore the experiences of carers of longstay patients in low-to-high- secure forensic care.Methods: This exploratory qualitative study included two focus groups and two written responses.Findings: Focus groups identified importance of communication, and improving carer knowledge of services as methods of meaningful inclusion in treatment and recovery.Conclusions: Better involvement of carers may help improve trust in services and develop a strong bond between parties involved in longer-term care, treatment, and recovery.