Clinical trials

Study Goal: Understand carers' needs when someone with dementia is in a mental health ward and develop strategies to support carers as partners in care. Research Questions: * What are mental health wards like in terms of staff, patients, and current carer support? * What do carers experience and need during admission, discharge, and beyond? * How do ward routines and staff practices affect carer involvement? * How can co-design turn research into practical strategies for carer support? * Can these strategies be implemented effectively? Method: The investigators will survey mental health wards nationwide, interview carers from three UK wards, observe ward practices, and talk to staff. They will use this information to create and share practical strategies to improve carer support across the UK.