Medicines, ‘medication work’ and networks of support in the community following mental health hospital discharge: A qualitative interview study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: 'Medication work' is routine medicine-taking tasks and strategies that individuals employ to ensure safe medicine use. 'Social networks' the social ties and connectedness that link people together, are considered important in people's health. This study explored the views of people with lived experience of mental illness, carers, and health professionals of medicines use following mental health hospital discharge to understand 'medication work' and social support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants, recruited via social media and the research team's professional networks. To explore medication support a diagram of support networks was co-produced with participants. Analysis, informed by critical realism, explored personal holistic accounts and networks of support. Analysis of 34 interviews conducted with 10 people with lived experience, 7 carers and 17 healthcare professionals revealed extensive 'medication work' following discharge. Themes were mapped to a conceptualisation of 'medication work' and a construct of 'situated medicines work' added to reflect wider social and cultural contexts. Health professionals were valued within personal support networks, particularly for people with lived experience, by facilitating medication taking through advice and knowledge, Family, friends, and voluntary organisations played practical and emotional roles 'medication work' roles. Medication safety following mental health hospital discharge relies heavily on support networks and the 'medication work' of patients and carers. Health professionals play a central but variable and contextual, role within these networks. Greater recognition of social support networks and the situated nature of 'medication work' is needed to improve post-discharge medication safety and support in community mental health care.
Source: Social Science & Medicine
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
OpenAlex ID: W7220916988