A study of personalisation and the factors affecting the uptake of personal budgets by mental health service users in the UK - A research study commissioned by MIND

Abstract

This project was commissioned by Mind to add to its knowledge base and existing work on Personalisation so as to support individuals to have greater choice and control over their care and support needs. The project was funded by the Department of Health as part of its Strategic Development fund „Personalisation and Choice of Care and Support (IESD1) 2011‟.
This report provides an overview of the main findings of this qualitative study, exploring the concept of personalisation, the factors affecting its operationalisation by voluntary and statutory sector organisations, and service users‟ experiences of its implementation, particularly in relation to what affects their uptake and experience of Personal Budgets. In the course of our investigation into current practice and experience, we have identified a number of barriers and enablers. Our view is that the impact of effective action to tackle the barriers will result in an improved experience of the Personal Budget process and its outcomes for carers and front line staff as well as service users. Recommendations are made for future work in this area.