Defining the Role of the Fire and Rescue Service in Mental Health Support for Older Adults

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID19508446
AuthorsTamsin Fisher (0000-0002-2033-4329, School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK), Carolyn A Chew-Graham (0000-0002-9722-9981, School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK), Nadia Corp (0000-0002-6758-9513, School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK), Saeed Farooq (0000-0003-2088-6876, School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK), Paul Kingston (0000-0002-5972-3786, Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, University of Chester Chester UK), Ian Read (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Staffordshire UK), Gary Spolander (0000-0003-2758-4555, School of Applied Social Science Robert Gordon University Aberdeen UK), Jane Southam (School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK), Dean Stevens (0009-0008-2929-8118, Centre for Ageing and Mental Health, University of Chester Chester UK), Carmel Warren (Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Staffordshire UK), Tom Kingstone (0000-0001-9179-2303, School of Medicine Keele University Staffordshire UK, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume27
Issue5
Pagese70028-e70028
Publication date2024-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Expectations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1369-6513 • E-ISSN: 1369-7625
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/hex.70028
PMID39295496
OpenAlexW4402650845
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited17

INTRODUCTION: Anxiety and depression in older adults (60+ years of age) are under-diagnosed and under-treated. Older adults are less likely to seek help for these problems due to a lack of awareness, difficulty accessing health care due to availability or disability and fear of loss of independence. Existing points of contact between older adults and non-traditional services, for example, the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), could provide opportunities to support help-seeking for mental ill-health. The FRS conduct Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) with older adults and are well positioned to provide health-related support. This study examines a range of perspectives on the potential role of the FRS in the identification of, and signposting for, anxiety and depression in older adults. METHODS: This was a qualitative study carried out using mixed methods in West Midlands, UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with older adults and health and social care providers (practitioners, managers, commissioners) to explore the acceptability of the FRS expanding its role to detect and signpost for anxiety and depression in older adults. Observations examined delivery of existing HFSVs to older adults. Data were combined and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. RESULTS: Eighteen health and social care providers and 8 older adults were interviewed; 10 HFSVs were observed. Two overarching themes were identified: (1) Potential role for the FRS and (2) Operationalising identification of mental health problems by FRS. Interviews and observations demonstrated how HFSVs offer a suitable opportunity to start conversations about mental health. All interview participants felt that although the FRS would be well placed to deliver an intervention, they would require training, support and a referral pathway co-produced with and supported by health and social care partners. CONCLUSION: A whole-system approach is needed if the FRS are to expand HFSVs to identify mental health problems in older adults and provide signposting to appropriate services. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: J.S. is a public co-investigator. A Patient Advisory Group contributed to the initial funding application, design and conduct of the study, including data analysis and advice on dissemination

Anxiety · Mental health · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Social support · Thematic analysis · Injury Epidemiology and Prevention · Medicine · Nursing · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Social Psychology · Traumatic Brain Injury Research · Gerontology