Table 1 Key themes and their sub-themes

‘Heard’ by staff members

Powerlessness and lack of autonomy

Self-worth

Staff/service user relationships and staff attitudes

Stigmatisation

Involvement in decision-making regarding their care

Future prospects

Powerlessness and lack of autonomy

Self-worth

Information about their treatment plans (particularly medication)

Powerlessness and lack of autonomy

Self-worth

Staff/service user communication and staff attitudes

Access to more talking therapies and therapeutic engagement

Restraint and feelings of helplessness

Seclusion/timeout

Physical setting/environment and Daily activities (to alleviate boredom)

Physical surroundings

Feelings of imprisonment