Co-producing a complex psychosocial intervention during COVID-19 with young people transitioning from adolescent secure hospitals to adult services in England: Moving Forward intervention (MFi)

Background

Young people moving from adolescent secure hospitals to adult care present with multiple and complex needs which often remain unmet during transition periods. This paper delineates the process of developing and co-producing the moving forward intervention (MFi), which aims to address the psychosocial needs of transitioning youth who have limited access to well-researched and tailored service provisions.

Method

An extensive search of the relevant literature was conducted to generate themes and guide the co-production phase. Fourteen Advisory Group Meetings were held virtually during COVID-19 to design the MFi module content with 17 keyworkers, 2 parents and 13 young people aged 17–18 years across six adolescent secure hospitals in England. Thematic analysis was used to reflect on the field notes discussed in the Advisory Groups.

Results

Co-produced themes from the literature and the Advisory Groups informed the development of the proposed intervention. Three overarching themes pertinent to expectations in adult services, improving communication gaps between services and facilitating the letting go period emerged from the co-production phase. It was suggested the MFi is co-delivered by a peer with lived experience to build trust and create hopefulness among young people. The importance of promoting graded transitions through standardised procedures was highlighted.

Conclusions

The current findings promote evidence-based initiatives and build robust practice frameworks that inform treatment and policy guidelines. The young people, parents and keyworkers found the MFi supportive and valued the co-production experience. As such, co-production has been a vital tool in promoting patient engagement and empowerment, and reducing service inequalities, especially in adolescent secure hospitals.