Patient and carer participation in old age psychiatry in England. Part II: models of participation.

BACKGROUND

There are a number of models of patient and carer participation. Their usefulness and applicability to old age psychiatry is considered.

METHODS

Models of participation are reviewed and related to examples of participation initiatives drawn from the author's work in the context of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

Models of participation which emphasize collaboration and partnership are found to be useful. Simple interventions such as copying letters to patients and/or carers can lead to change in the balance of power between staff and patients/carers. Initiatives which draw on the experiences of patients and carers can facilitate organizational learning and development. Involving patients and carers in education offers a way to influence services and the staff working in them.

CONCLUSION

Participation is better understood as a spectrum rather than a hierarchy. Old age psychiatry services would benefit from developing greater patient and carer participation at all levels.