An Exploration of Forensic Patient's Perspectives of the Impact of Psycho-education

Introduction: Clinicians working in forensic services are eager to explore benefits of psychological interventions as part of the patient’s recovery journey.
Aim: To capture patient’s perspectives of personal change through use of a psycho-education programme.
Design: A purposive sample of (n=20) participants were selected from two secure forensic units during the final year of a Randomised Controlled Trial. Structured interviews were completed using Repertory Grid. 
Results: Significant differences were apparent in three areas: have confidence to engage in groups, (z=-2.203, N=18, p <.05); understand my own illness and how it affects me, (z=-2.203, N=18, p< .05) and feel normal, (z=-1.997, N=18, p<.05). Themes emerging from field notes focussed on participant's desire to ‘feel normal’. Feeling normal being closely correlated with feeling valued, having hope, feeling confident, understanding your illness and realising others have the same problems.
Conclusions: Patient’s perceptions highlighted importance of feeling normal as part of their recovery journey.