“Understanding and Enhancing Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Across UK High Secure Hospitals: A Multi-Site Qualitative StudyMy doctoral research examines how trauma-informed care (TIC) is understood, implemented, and sustained across the United Kingdom’s four high secure forensic hospitals: The State Hospital in Scotland, and Broadmoor, Ashworth, and Rampton in England. Building on my earlier study of practitioners’ perspectives within The State Hospital, I am exploring how organisational culture, professional practice, and healthcare systems influence the delivery of trauma-informed approaches in these complex environments.
Through qualitative interviews, focus groups, and documentary analysis, I aim to identify the shared and unique challenges that affect TIC implementation and to develop evidence-based guidance that enhances both patient recovery and staff wellbeing. My research also compares how NHS Scotland and NHS England frameworks shape trauma-informed practice, generating the first cross-site understanding of TIC in UK high secure settings. Ultimately, my goal is to produce practical, system-level recommendations that strengthen trauma-informed care across forensic mental health services nationally and internationally.”
Director of Studies: Dr Adam Mahoney
Supervisor: Dr Ethan Shapiro