Parental Mental Ill‐Health

Experiences of Navigating Multiple Services—A Systematic Review Conducted by Learnt and Lived Experience Researchers

Dados Bibliográficos

ID12290338
AutoresKate Blake-Holmes (University of East Anglia, autor correspondente), Kate Blake‐Holmes (0000-0003-3117-3521), Claire Mccartan (0000-0002-2341-9715, Queen's University Belfast), Becca Allchin (0000-0001-8249-4304, Eastern Health), Sophie Bagge (University of East Anglia), Gavin Davidson (0000-0001-6003-0170, Queen's University Belfast), Anne Grant (0000-0001-7062-0449, Queen's University Belfast), Jason Harris (0000-0001-7099-4694, University of East Anglia), Susan Lagdon (0000-0003-0477-2297), Emma Loudon (0000-0002-6064-0654, Queen's University Belfast), Emma Maynard (0000-0003-3994-0158, Florence Nightingale Foundation), Andrea Reupert (0000-0003-1447-7769, Monash University), Scott Yate (0000-0002-4820-5545, De Montfort University), Grace Williams (0000-0002-2642-2450)
EditoresQing-Wei Chen
Ano2026
Volume2026
Fascículo1
Data de publicação2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHealth & Social Care in the Community (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0966-0410 • E-ISSN: 1365-2524
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1155/hsc/3187904
OpenAlexW7143846379
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas46

Background Families in which a parent experiences mental ill‐health often face complex and evolving challenges, with individual family members’ needs impacting one another across generations. Accessing appropriate support frequently requires the navigation of multiple services and systems, which can be overwhelming for both families and professionals, potentially leading to barriers in care. To address the challenges inherent with navigating complex systems of care, it is imperative that the experiences of individuals using these services are understood. The aim of this paper is to review qualitative studies of family members’ experiences of accessing multiple services. Methods A multidisciplinary research team with both learnt and lived experience of parental mental illness conducted a systematic review using PsycINFO, Academic Search Ultimate, Complementary Index, Medline Ultimate, CINAHL, ERIC and Scopus databases. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria. Quality assessment was undertaken using an expanded version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Studies Checklist. Findings were thematically synthesised using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. Results While no studies were found that directly addressed the navigation of complex support systems, sixteen papers were identified that explored experiences related to receiving or engaging with multiple services ( N = 417). Inhibiting and enabling factors were identified at an individual and systemic level, highlighting key considerations for service design and delivery. Conclusion The limited research in this area indicates a pressing need to understand the experiences of individuals, families and professionals navigating complex and often contradictory systems of care. This review highlights a critical gap in the literature and emphasises the value of lived experience in research. Future work must centre the voices of all family members to develop coordinated, responsive and effective systems of care. Integrating insights from those directly affected can lead to more family‐centred care models, ultimately improving health outcomes and service delivery for all family members

Critical appraisal · Inclusion (mineral · Lived experience · Mental health · Multidisciplinary approach · Qualitative research · Reflexivity · Thematic analysis · Family Caregiving in Mental Illness · Family Support in Illness · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum