Introduction: In compulsory psychiatric care and forensic psychiatric care, supportive functions with independent roles have been instituted to uphold patient rights, preserve self-determination and personal integrity, work toward recovery and fulfill the obligation to ensure that individuals remain at the center of decision making. In Sweden, independent support persons (ISP) provide personal support and companionship to patients during and shortly after involuntary care. Knowledge about the ISPs experiences of the role is needed to expand and further develop the ISP role. This study aimed to illuminate ISPs experiences of their role regarding patients treated in compulsory psychiatric care and forensic psychiatric care.
Methods: The study used a qualitative design with semi structured interviews and inductive qualitative content analysis. Nine ISPs participated.
Results: ISPs experiences were reflected in the main theme Managing boundaries in a borderland, interpreted through the themes Balancing personal and professional approaches, Serving as social support and Being in the hands of staff.
Discussion: Findings highlights the important role of ISPs in mental health recovery through supportive, friendship-like relationships that promote reciprocity. ISPs help bridge social gaps, especially for those lacking networks. However, misunderstandings about their role can limit their impact.