Systematic review of the role of service users as researchers in mental health studies

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Salvi ◽  
Julia Jones ◽  
Mirella Ruggeri
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Active Role ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Stage Of Development

SUMMARYAims – Service user involvement in mental health service development and research is becoming more common in countries like the UK. USA and Canada. This systematic review of the international scientific literature has been carried out to assess the stage of development of mental health service users involvement in research. Method – Systematic review of any research project actively involving service users in any part of the research process. Results – Thirty-five studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Nine studies used quantitative techniques, 24 used qualitative techniques and two studies used both quantitative and qualitative techniques. While three studies were user-led, in three other studies the users were simply consulted but did not have any active role in the research. The remaining 29 studies were based on a collaboration between service users and professional researchers. Conclusions – The involvement of mental health service users in the research process is feasible both in quantitative and qualitative research studies. The involvement of service users in research has a number of benefits; such research requires more accurate planning and more time than the traditional research.Declaration of Interest: none.

The experience of learning from mental health service users and carers

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-130
Author(s):  
Charlotte Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Emotional Arousal ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Experience

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore student experiences of learning from mental health service users and carers. Design/methodology/approach In total, 30 clinical psychology trainees and ex-trainees took part in an online survey (n=21) or focus group (n=9). Responses were analysed using interpretative thematic analysis. Findings A number of themes were identified. There were two pre-conditions of learning: valuing the teaching and emotional arousal. Participants’ learning experiences were characterised by cognitive and meta-cognitive processes: active learning, reflection, increased attention and vivid memories. Furthermore, participants might have a meta-cognitive experience of having learned something, but being unsure what that something was. Participants reported learning about the lives of service users, about themselves and about the wider societal context for people with mental health difficulties. Practical implications In order to facilitate learning students should value the input of service users. This allows them to contain and use the emotional arousal the teaching produces. Furthermore, leaving students with a feeling that something has been learned but not being exactly sure what that has been may facilitate students seeking out further opportunities for service user involvement. Originality/value Few studies have explored the process of learning from mental health service users and carers. In the current study, the emotion aroused in participants was primary. Furthermore, a new meta-cognitive experience, namely, the experience of having learned something, but not being sure what has been learned, has been identified.

scholarly journals Foregrounding the perspectives of mental health services users during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-133
Author(s):  
Hannah Zeilig ◽  
Brioney Gee ◽  
Bonnie Teague ◽  
Jonathan Wilson ◽  
Corinna Hackmann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lead Author ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Service Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategy Design

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the critical importance of the perspectives of mental health service-users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint is based on a review of recent research and literature and draws on consultations with experts by experience, including the lead author. Findings The authors argue that expertise-by-experience is critical to policy, service development and research; but there is a risk it will be neglected at a time of rapid and reactive clinical development. Research limitations/implications Understanding and responding to the nuances of individual need can only be achieved through coproducing service strategy design, delivery and research with mental health service users. The consultation outlined in this viewpoint gives some indication of the type of valuable insights that can be gained through seeking and listening to the perspectives of experts by experience. Originality/value The discussions revealed that experience of managing severe and complex mental health conditions can actually be advantageous when facing a crisis such as COVID-19.

scholarly journals Psychiatric drugs: reconsidering their mode of action and the implications for service user involvement

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Marc Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service User ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Service User Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Psychiatric Drugs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine two competing pharmacological models that have been used to understand how psychiatric drugs work: the disease-centred model and the drug-centred model. In addition, it explores the implications of these two models for mental health service users and the degree to which they are meaningfully involved in decisions about the use of psychiatric drugs. Design/methodology/approach The approach is a conceptual review and critical comparison of two pharmacological models used to understand the mode of action of psychiatric drugs. On the basis of this analysis, the paper also provides a critical examination, supported by the available literature, of the implications of these two models for service user involvement in mental health care. Findings The disease-centred model is associated with a tendency to view the use of psychiatric drugs as a technical matter that is to be determined by mental health professionals. In contrast, the drug-centred model emphasises the centrality of the individual experience of taking a psychiatric drug and implies a more equitable relationship between practitioners and mental health service users. Originality/value Although infrequently articulated, assumptions about how psychiatric drugs work have important consequences for service user involvement in mental health care. Critical consideration of these assumptions is an important aspect of seeking to maximise service user involvement in decisions about the use of psychiatric drugs as a response to their experience of mental distress.

User/consumer involvement in mental health service delivery

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judi Chamberlin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Health Service Delivery ◽  
Consumer Involvement ◽  
Service Users

SummaryThe involvement of mental health service users in service delivery is a new and growing phenomenon. Such involvement is complex, given the history of paternalism in the mental health system, the power differential between service providers and service users, and the very differing views each group holds on multiple issues. Unless such differences are addressed, there can be no meaningful involvement. Service user involvement needs to apply to all aspects of the service delivery system, including professional training, service design, delivery, evaluation, and research. User/survivors, and their organizations, have developed a body of experience and knowledge that needs to be recognized and respected. Unless there are multiple opportunities for ongoing and open dialogue on these many difficult issues, real user involvement will not occur.Declaration of Interest: the author has received no financial support that presents a conflict of interest.

Overcoming challenges in service user involvement in an older people’s mental health service

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 151-155
Author(s):  
Sophie Smith ◽  
Maria Abbas ◽  
Ariane Zegarra
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Service User ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Service Improvement ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Service User Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Members

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how an older people’s mental health service involves service users in research and service improvement projects, the value of this work and the ways in which barriers to user-led research have been approached and handled. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a reflective review of their experiences of running “ResearchNet”, a group aimed at putting service users’ perspectives at the heart of service improvement projects, which benefits from and develops its members’ related skills. The authors explore overcoming barriers to service user involvement in research. Findings This paper identified the following key elements that enabled ResearchNet to overcome barriers which might be found in service user–led research: recruitment processes; identifying research projects; building confidence, sustaining motivation and overcoming setbacks; developing service user’s research skills; keeping multiple views in mind; involving people with dementia; being responsive to group members’ needs; and keeping the group safe. Practical implications Oxleas National Health Service is currently looking at integrating with the quality improvement team to provide further structure and training to group members. Originality/value This paper explores an under-represented area of research – service user inclusion in older adult mental health research and service improvement. It provides much needed clinical implications for clinicians seeking to increase clients’ involvement in research and service development projects.

scholarly journals Recognition as a valued human being: Perspectives of mental health service users

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 357-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Ådnøy Eriksen ◽  
Bengt Sundfør ◽  
Bengt Karlsson ◽  
Maj-Britt Råholm ◽  
Maria Arman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Process Data ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Individual

The acknowledgement of basic human vulnerability in relationships between mental health service users and professionals working in community-based mental health services (in Norway) was a starting point. The purpose was to explore how users of these services describe and make sense of their meetings with other people. The research is collaborative, with researcher and person with experienced-based knowledge cooperating through the research process. Data is derived from 19 interviews with 11 people who depend on mental health services for assistance at least three times a week. Data is analysed according to the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results confirm that reciprocity is fundamental for relationships, and that recognizing the individual entails personal involvement. The participants describe a struggle, and recognizing this struggle may help the professional to achieve a deeper understanding of the individual.

scholarly journals Encouraging user involvement in mental health services

2005 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 168-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda Tait ◽  
Helen Lester
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Service ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Service ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
User Involvement ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Mental Health Service User

This article summarises the current research evidence base on user involvement in mental health services from both policy and practical perspectives. We begin by examining the many meanings of the term ‘mental health service user’ and the policy imperatives for user involvement, to provide a context for later examples of good practice. We then discuss what is meant by ‘involvement’ and the reasons why user involvement is particularly important in mental health services. Finally, we describe some of the traditional barriers to involvement and a number of examples of positive practice across a range of different aspects of mental health service development and delivery.

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