‘Dignity and respect’: An example of service user leadership and co‐production in mental health research

Purpose User involvement in research is entering the mainstream of traditional mental health research. In practice, there are diverse ways in which the process of involvement is experienced by mental health service user researchers. This paper aims to explore two diverse experiences of involvement by the researcher. Design/methodology/approach Auto-ethnography is the research methodology used in this study; it combines a process of reflective writing and critical analysis which enables the author to explore experiences of being both a service user and academic researcher. Two accounts of the author’s involvement in mental health research are presented: one which builds on a consultation model and the other based on co-production principles. Findings Experiences of power-sharing and collaborative decision-making, alongside disempowerment, are discussed, leading to exploration of the theoretical and practical processes for promoting participation of users in research. Research limitations/implications The research is limited because it is undertaken by one individual in a local setting, and is therefore is not generalisable; however, it provides useful insights into the diverse processes of involvement that many service users experience. Practical implications Recommendations are presented to support the involvement of service users in research, with final remarks offered considering the possible future implementation of this still emerging tradition. Originality/value This paper reflects on the experiences of one service user academic involved in research and highlights diverse experiences of both empowering and disempowering involvement, providing recommendations for best practice.

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Handbook of service user involvement in mental health research Jan Wallcraft Handbook of service user involvement in mental health research Beate Schrank Michaela Amering Wiley-Blackwell £45 280pp 9780470997956 0470997958

Mental Health Practice ◽

10.7748/mhp.14.9.8.s2 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (9) ◽

pp. 8-8

Author(s):

Helena McCourt

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Research ◽

Service User ◽

User Involvement ◽

Mental Health Research ◽

Service User Involvement

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Activity and views of service users involved in mental health research: UK survey

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.113.128637 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 205 (1) ◽

pp. 68-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Sue Patterson ◽

Jenny Trite ◽

Tim Weaver

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Research ◽

Service User ◽

Service Use ◽

Mental Health Research ◽

Service Improvement ◽

Service Users ◽

User Research ◽

Research Workforce ◽

Service User Research

BackgroundOptimisation of the process and outcomes of service user involvement in research is dependent on understanding current practice, challenges and opportunities.AimsTo describe activities, roles and experiences of service users involved in mental health research.MethodNational cross-sectional online questionnaire survey, using snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics and framework analysis undertaken collaboratively with a service user reference group.ResultsThe survey revealed a previously undescribed, highly qualified service user research workforce. Positioned within and alongside mainstream research, respondents reported drawing on extensive service use, and passion for service improvement to challenge perceived clinical academic dominance of research. The support of peers was crucial to involvement, which typically enhanced mental health but for some, pervasive stigma and scrutiny undermined self-confidence and practical difficulties challenged equitable participation.ConclusionsRecognition of the service user research workforce will support the constructive amalgamation of academic and experiential expertise needed to shape and realise investment in mental health research.

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