To what extent does GamCare initial assessment data provide insights into factors associated with help-seeking?
Purpose
GamCare is the UK’s largest support and treatment provider for problem gamblers and their families and friends. GamCare provide a free help line, counselling treatment and other resources to support people affected by gambling harms such as debt, relationship issues and mental health problems. We undertook quantitative and qualitative analysis of client initial assessment data to provide insights into factors associated with help-seeking.
Project duration
2019 - 2020
Project funding
GamCare
Research team
Caroline Norrie, Stephanie Bramley, Valerie Lipman and Jill Manthorpe (HSCWRU) and Ben Hickman (Myriad Research)
Methods
Qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken on GamCare counselling treatment data. Variables were analysed with reference to outcome measures collated throughout treatment (CORE-10 Scores which measures mental health and the PGSI, problem gambling severity index). Quantitative analysis was undertaken of 27,839 episodes of care (1st April 2015 to 31st March 2020). Qualitative analysis was undertaken of 714 cases (Jan 2017 – Dec 2019).
Findings
Quantitative findings focused on factors influencing positive outcomes for clients. Qualitative findings highlighted clients’ perspectives on the assessment process and how it could be personalised.
Outputs & Impact
A report has been produced. Two journal articles are underway. Findings were presented to GamCare staff members and have used in their re-designing of client data recording processes.
Publications
Hickman, B., Chakraborty, B., & Norrie, C. (2021). Analysis of GamCare treatment clients. NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce, The Policy Institute, King's College London.
Related projects at HSCWRU
Principal Investigator
Senior Research Fellow