The MINGLE study investigates the experiences of patients and their primary contacts (family/close friends) regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) on the High Intensive Care of the Psychiatric Department. Diversity indicates the presence of a variety of people with different characteristics (e.g. gender, culture, sexual orientation) and equity refers to fairness in opportunities and access to care. Inclusion can be defined as being acknowledged, accepted and appreciated and to experience a feeling of belongingness.
Studies show that in closed psychiatric wards positive interaction between patients and their healthcare workers is a strong indicator for the recovery of patients. Multiple factors contribute to this positive interaction, such as the personal characteristics of patients and healthcare workers, and also the culture of the organization. Different studies show that it is important to focus on DEI in this regard. There is however no literature that empirically evaluates the influence of DEI on the interaction between patients and healthcare workers in closed psychiatric wards.
The closed psychiatric ward of Amsterdam UMC, the High Intensive Care, is located in the Southeast of Amsterdam. This neighborhood has a very culturally diverse population, 130 different ethnic backgrounds can be found under the inhabitants. The HIC has a regional function, which means that people living in the Southeast of Amsterdam who need (unvoluntary) psychiatric treatment are treated here. This results in the department also having a diverse population of patients. The MINGLE-study is a qualitative study and semi-structured interviews with patients, their primary contacts and the staff of the ward will be conducted to investigate the different perspectives on this topic. With this study we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of patients and their primary contacts regarding DEI and to improve the experiences of patients that are treated at our ward.