PLAIN LANGUAGE STATEMENT Service Users Researcher: Jennifer Brown, School of Law and Government Dublin City University

Contact Details: mhtstudy@gmail.com Title: An analysis of the extent to which mental health tribunals (MHTs) protect the rights of persons detained under the Mental Health Act 2001. What is the research about? The aim of the research is to examine the MHT process and hearing to determine how it affects the detention of persons with mental illness. The purpose is to determine the extent to which the legal, lay and medical members provide an independent review of the need to detain the service user. The research will look at what influences the MHT members, including the independent psychiatrist and the legal representative. It will also assess the degree to which the independent psychiatrist and the legal representative protect the rights of the person detained. Why is this research being conducted? The research is being used as part of my PhD in Dublin City University. Independence of the Researcher I do not have any relationship with any of those involved in the mental health tribunal hearings, the Mental Health Commission, voluntary mental health organisations or the hospital in which you were resident. As a researcher I have no influence on your particular case. Therefore participating in the research study will do you no good or no harm. It will have no effect on your situation. Voluntary mental health organisations have been contacted solely for the purpose of advertising the research I am conducting. They have no influence on or connection with the research. Who is funding the research? The research is being funded by the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University. How will the information gathered be used and subsequently disposed of? The information will be used in my PhD and possibly future academic articles about the topic. As soon as the interviews have been transcribed, with all identifying information anonymised, the original audio tapes and any documentation with identifying information will be disposed of. What will happen if you decide to participate in the research study? Being included in the research study will require you to sign a form saying that you understand the purpose of the research, the independence of the researcher and you agree to answer honestly the questions that you are asked to the best of your ability. You will then be asked approximately 30 questions about the mental health tribunal process and hearing by the researcher. The interview should take about 40 minutes to complete. How will your privacy be protected? All information concerning you and others involved in the mental health tribunal process will be made anonymous and kept completely confidential. Any documentation relating to the research will be kept in a locked and secure unit in Dublin City University that only the researcher will have access to.

No names or identifying information will be used in the research or shared with any person or organisation. You and all others mentioned in the interviews will be given false names when using information in relation to mental health tribunals which you participated in. What are the legal limitations to data confidentiality? In a similar manner to the doctor-patient relationship in very limited circumstances, disclosure of your information may be required by law. For example this could happen when ordered by a judge in a court. If this were to happen you would be informed of the disclosure and the reasons for it. What are the benefits of taking part in the research study? There may be some future indirect benefits to participants. The research will provide information on the conduct and operation of mental health tribunals in general which may improve the operation of mental health tribunals and have an impact on the development of best practices and encourage consistency in their operation. In addition, this information could be used to help service users to understand what to expect from the mental health tribunal hearing. This information may also assist legal representatives in the preparation of service users cases. What are the risks of taking part in this research study? Taking part in the study will require you to recall events that occurred during your mental health tribunal process and hearing. Recalling such events may cause you some distress or upset. Can participants change their mind at any stage and withdraw from the study? Yes, you may withdraw from the research study at any point. How will participants find out what happens with the project? At the time of the interview you will be asked whether you want to find out the results of the research study. When the study is completed you will be contacted and informed of the results if you have agreed to this. Contact details for further information: Jennifer Brown, Email: mhtstudy@gmail.com Tel: 087 3343 848 If participants have concerns about this study and wish to contact an independent person, please contact: The Secretary, Dublin City University Research Ethics Committee, c/o Research and Innovation Support, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. Tel 01-7008000