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Most mental health researchers rely upon quantitative methods of data collection. Whilst such methods are commonly seen as reliable, qualitative methods are often seen as more valid. Despite the value of qualitative methods of data collection, however, many researchers denigrate their use. Qualitative research is often viewed as lacking in scientific rigour. This paper explores the use of the focus group as a qualitative instrument to enhance the validity of existing questionnaires for mental health service users and providers. Between July and August 1995 four focus groups were conducted in Exeter and Taunton among service users (with severe or long-term mental health problems) and providers (community psychiatric nurses, social workers and occupational therapists). It is demonstrated that focus groups enhance the validity of existing questionnaires by highlighting those concerns held by users and providers that would otherwise have been neglected.

Abstract This correction reports changes in our protocol since its publication. These include changes to authorship and acknowledgements, together with improvements to study design and procedures, and correction of an internal inconsistency. The improvements relate to the exclusion criteria, assessments carried out at screening, and mode of data collection.

Editorial. Contends that an awareness of potential violence among occupational groups working with people with mental illness is necessary. Discussion on healthcare professionals and violence; Insight on community mental health researchers; Safety procedures and conclusion.

Understanding the complex determinants of psychiatric disorders and the effectiveness of psychiatric services is increasingly a collaborative enterprise. Multi-site collaboration offers many benefits; it is also a potential minefield to be negotiated. This editorial discusses multi-site collaborative research, suggesting ways in which it can be undertaken effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many suicides may be preventable through medical intervention, but many people do not seek help from a medical practitioner prior to suicide. Little is known about how consulting decisions are made at this time., Aim: To explore how distressed individuals and members of their lay networks had made decisions to seek or not to seek help from a medical practitioner in the period leading up to suicide., Design of Study: Qualitative analysis of psychological autopsy data., Setting: One large English county., Method: Semi-structured interviews with close relatives or friends of suicide victims were conducted as part of a psychological autopsy study. Sixty-six interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach., Results: Relatives and friends often played a key role in determining whether or not suicidal individuals sought medical help. Half the sample had consulted in their final month and many were persuaded to do so by a relative or friend. Of those who did not consult, some were characterised as help-resisters but many others had omitted to do so because no-one around them was aware of the seriousness of their distress or considered it to be medically significant. A range of lay interventions and coping strategies was identified, including seeking non-medical help., Conclusion: Greater attention needs to be given to the potential role of lay networks in managing psychological distress and preventing suicide. A balanced approach to suicide prevention is recommended that builds on lay knowledge and combines medical and non-medical strategies.

Previous research has suggested that progress towards suicide reduction targets may be achieved by improving the ability of general practitioners to recognise and treat mental illness. Using data from a study of suicide completers who were not in contact with specialist mental health services, we found that the rate of detection and treatment of mental health problems in primary care was high. The major barrier to receipt of care for mental health problems prior to suicide was non-consultation. The study also shows that detection and management in primary care does not necessarily result in prevention of suicide. Implications for public education, access to primary care services and the potential for suicide prevention are considered.