Sue Patterson, PhD, Metro North Mental Health - Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Queensland Australia; Jenny Trite, North London Hub, Mental Health Research Network, Central and North West London Foundation Trust, London, UK; Tim Weaver, PhD, Centre for Mental Health, Imperial College London, UK.
Br J Psychiatry. 2014 Jul;205(1):68-75. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.113.128637. Epub 2014 Apr 10.
Optimisation of the process and outcomes of service user involvement in research is dependent on understanding current practice, challenges and opportunities.
To describe activities, roles and experiences of service users involved in mental health research.
National cross-sectional online questionnaire survey, using snowball sampling. Descriptive statistics and framework analysis undertaken collaboratively with a service user reference group.
The 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.
Recognition 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.
优化服务用户参与研究的过程和结果取决于对当前实践、挑战和机遇的理解。
描述参与心理健康研究的服务用户的活动、角色和经验。
采用全国性的横断面在线问卷调查，使用雪球抽样。与服务用户参考小组合作进行描述性统计和框架分析。
调查显示了一个以前未被描述的、高度合格的服务用户研究人员队伍。受访者的位置在主流研究的内部和旁边，他们报告利用广泛的服务使用，并对改善服务的热情来挑战对临床学术对研究的主导地位的看法。同伴的支持对参与至关重要，这通常会增强心理健康，但对一些人来说，普遍的污名和审查削弱了自信心，实际困难挑战了公平参与。
承认服务用户研究人员队伍将支持将学术和经验专业知识进行建设性的融合，以塑造和实现对心理健康研究的投资。
