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Jones N, Callejas L, Brown M, Colder Carras M, Croft B, Pagdon S, Sheehan L, Oluwoye O, Zisman-Ilani Y. Barriers to Meaningful Participatory Mental Health Services Research and Priority Next Steps: Findings From a National Survey. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:902-910. [PMID: 36935620 PMCID: PMC11022526 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A growing consensus has emerged regarding the importance of stakeholder involvement in mental health services research. To identify barriers to and the extent of stakeholder involvement in participatory research, the authors undertook a mixed-methods study of researchers and community members who reported participation in such research. METHODS Eight consultative focus groups were conducted with diverse groups of stakeholders in mental health services research (N=51 unique participants, mostly service users), followed by a survey of service users, family members, community providers, and researchers (N=98) with participatory research experience. Focus groups helped identify facilitators and barriers to meaningful research collaboration, which were operationalized in the national survey. Participants were also asked about high-priority next steps. RESULTS The barrier most strongly endorsed as a large or very large problem in the field was lack of funding for stakeholder-led mental health services research (76%), followed by lack of researcher training in participatory methods (74%) and insufficiently diverse backgrounds among stakeholders (69%). The two most frequently identified high-priority next steps were ensuring training and continuing education for researchers and stakeholders (33%) and authentically centering lived experience and reducing tokenism in research (26%). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a need for increased attention to and investment in the development, implementation, and sustainment of participatory methods that prioritize collaboration with direct stakeholders, particularly service users, in U.S. mental health services research. The findings also underscore the presence and potentially important role of researchers who dually identify as service users and actively contribute a broader orientation from the service user-survivor movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nev Jones
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Linda Callejas
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Marie Brown
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Michelle Colder Carras
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Bevin Croft
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Shannon Pagdon
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Lindsay Sheehan
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Oladunni Oluwoye
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
| | - Yaara Zisman-Ilani
- School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Jones, Pagdon); Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa (Callejas); Department of Psychiatry, New York University, New York City (Brown); Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (Carras); Human Services Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Croft); New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City (Pagdon); Department of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago (Sheehan); Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane (Oluwoye); Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, and Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London (Zisman-Ilani)
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Krysinska K, Ozols I, Ross A, Andriessen K, Banfield M, McGrath M, Edwards B, Hawgood J, Kõlves K, Ross V, Pirkis J. Active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide research: a Delphi consensus study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:496. [PMID: 37434145 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance and value of involvement of people with lived experience of suicide has been recognized in suicide research and prevention. Nonetheless, clear guidance on research collaboration and co-production is lacking. This study aimed to address this gap by developing a set of guidelines on active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide studies., i.e., conducting research with or by people with lived experience, rather than to, about or for them. METHODS The Delphi method was used to determine statements on best practice for the active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide research. Statements were compiled through a systematic search of the scientific and grey literature, and reviewing qualitative data from a recent related study conducted by the authors. Two expert panels: people with lived experience of suicide (n = 44) and suicide researchers (n = 29) rated statements over three rounds of an online survey. Statements endorsed by at least 80% of panellists of each panel were included in the guidelines. RESULTS Panellists endorsed 96 out of 126 statements in 17 sections covering the full research cycle from deciding on the research question and securing funding, to conducting research and disseminating and implementing outcomes. Overall, there was a substantial level of agreement between the two panels regarding support from research institutions, collaboration and co-production, communication and shared decision making, conducting research, self-care, acknowledgment, and dissemination and implementation. However, panels also disagreed on specific statements regarding representativeness and diversity, managing expectations, time and budgeting, training, and self-disclosure. CONCLUSIONS This study identified consensus recommendations on active involvement of people with lived experience of suicide in suicide research, including co-production. Support from research institutions and funders, and training on co-production for researchers and people with lived experience, are needed for successful implementation and uptake of the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Krysinska
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | | - Anna Ross
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Karl Andriessen
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Michelle Banfield
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Martina McGrath
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jacinta Hawgood
- The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victoria Ross
- The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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3
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Happell B, Gordon S, Sharrock J, Donovan AO, Kenny N, Warner T. There is something about oppression: Allies' perspectives on challenges in relationships with experts by experience. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:744-754. [PMID: 36645058 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The genuine and meaningful involvement of Experts by Experience in the education of health professionals has consistently demonstrated positive attitudinal change in students. These changes are essential if policy goals for recovery-oriented services and service user participation in mental health services are to be realized. To date academic roles for Experts by Experience have often relied on the support of allies. Despite the important role allies play, research investigating their experiences is limited. The aim of this research was to explore allies' views on supporting implementation of the academic positions for Experts by Experience. A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken involving in-depth interviews with 16 allies. Data were analysed thematically. Challenges that can exist between allies and Experts by Experience was one theme identified from the data. Allies described occasional difficulties in their relationships with Experts by Experience where they felt they were perceived as representative of members of their broader profession with whom Experts by Experience had negative experiences. The perspectives of allies are presented in four subthemes: relationships imbedded in history; consequences of interpersonal stigma; supportive, protective or paternalistic?; and the passion remains, which describes allies' ongoing commitment to supporting Expert by Experience involvement. Understanding the challenges can assist allies to respond appropriately in a non-judgemental and supportive manner. Trauma informed practice may provide a useful framework to address conflicts and facilitate more positive relationships between allies and Experts by Experience. These positive relationships are essential to maximize the positive benefits of Experts by Experience on future clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Happell
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.,Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Julie Sharrock
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aine O' Donovan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Nuala Kenny
- Health Service Executive Bantry, Cork, Ireland.,Expert by Experience, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Terri Warner
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,ACT Mental Health Consumer Network, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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4
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Classen B, Tudor K, Johnson F, McKenna B. Embedding lived experience expertise across the mental health tertiary education sector: An integrative review in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2021; 28:1140-1152. [PMID: 33772965 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: An important step towards improving mental health outcomes is the realignment of tertiary mental health education and research in a way which places strategic value on experience-driven involvement in mental health and addiction-related care. One of the most widely recognized ways of achieving this is by increasing representation of individuals with first-hand experience of mental health and addiction distress (also known or referred to as Experts by Experience or EBE) within the tertiary sector. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Benefits of tertiary EBE representation such as improving student's preparedness for practice and the empowerment of mental health consumers are consistently reported throughout the literature. In striving towards these outcomes, it is crucial we remain mindful of relevant and often-reported hurdles such as stigma and improper implementation. By using Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study, the need for approaches to increasing EBE representation which is conscious of diverse cultural contexts, perspectives and identities is highlighted. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This review draws together a broad range of factors associated with improving clinical practice. These include the potential for EBE representation to improve outcomes for trainee clinicians, and the incorporation of consumer-driven perspectives into evidence-based practice. This review further highlights the need for EBE representation to be implemented in a way which is responsive to the cultural needs and nuances of mental health education and practice in Aotearoa New Zealand, and, similarly in other countries. ABSTRACT: Introduction There is potential value in increasing representation of expert by experience (EBE) involvement in mental health education sectors. This approach to improving mental health outcomes is here explored in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand's tertiary education sector. Aim/Question This review sought to identify potential outcomes, benefits and barriers associated with EBE representation in tertiary institutions, whilst critically analysing these strategies in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand's mental health education sector. Method Data retrieved from electronic databases were subjected to critical appraisal and thematic analysis. The integrative review drew from a final data set of 113 articles. Results An integrative review of our search results indicated that moving towards a tertiary mental health model in which lived experience plays a central role has the potential to benefit both teaching and research in the tertiary sector. Discussion The interplay between contemporary perspectives on tertiary EBE representation and the cultural needs and nuances of Aotearoa New Zealand's tertiary sector highlights the need for critical and careful approaches to EBE representation. Implications for clinical practice Findings surrounding tertiary EBE representation have direct implications for the training of mental health practitioners and the evaluation and development of clinical practice outcomes and procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Classen
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Keith Tudor
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Brian McKenna
- Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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5
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Scholz B, Happell B, Gordon S, Warner T, Roper C, Ellis P, Waks S, Platania-Phung C. 'People Just Need to Try It to Be Converted!': A Picture of Consumer Mental Health Research in Australia and New Zealand. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2021; 42:249-255. [PMID: 32790538 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1795763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A range of barriers that impede collaborations between consumer researchers and other researchers have been identified, despite clear acknowledgement of the benefits of this approach in the literature. Recent research has questioned whether the costs of collaborative research outweigh the benefits. The overarching aim of the current study is to better understand non-consumer researchers' attitudes to, and issues concerning, engagement with consumer researchers. Non-consumer researchers from mental health disciplines were invited to participate in the cross-sectional Consumers as Researchers in Mental Health survey, and to respond to open-ended questions about their experiences of collaborative research with consumer researchers. The findings demonstrate a range of benefits associated with collaborations with consumer researchers - including increased relevance and credibility of research, and greater translation of research findings into changes in health policy, service, research and education. Collaborations were found to be varied and not limited by research design, decision-making styles, or research topic. Understanding these benefits within the context of identified barriers can make an important contribution to the proliferation of mental health consumer researcher roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Scholz
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Brenda Happell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, and Priority Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Terri Warner
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,ACT Mental Health Consumer Network, Canberra, Australia
| | - Cath Roper
- Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pete Ellis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand Wellington South
| | - Shifra Waks
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Platania-Phung
- Australian College of Applied Psychology, Conjoint Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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Happell B, Gordon S, Roper C, Ellis P, Waks S, Warner T, Scholz B, Platania-Phung C. Establishing an expert mental health consumer research group: Perspectives of nonconsumer researchers. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:33-42. [PMID: 32346891 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the views and opinions of nonconsumer researchers to the concept of an Expert Consumer Researcher Group. DESIGN AND METHODS Qualitative exploratory involving individual interviews with nonconsumer mental health researchers experienced in working collaboratively with consumer researchers. Data were analyzed thematically. FINDINGS Participants viewed the concept positively, albeit with caution. Perceived advantages included: greater visibility and enhanced access; collegiality; sharing and creating expertise; broader acceptance; making it mandatory; and structure and location. Participants were concerned about potential tokenism and implementation barriers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Consumer involvement enhances the quality and relevance of research, potentially impacting clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Happell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastlee, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
| | - Cath Roper
- Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pete Ellis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, Wellington South, New Zealand
| | - Shifra Waks
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terri Warner
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,ACT Mental Health Consumer Network, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Brett Scholz
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Chris Platania-Phung
- Australian College of Applied Psychology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Happell B, Gordon S, Roper C, Scholz B, Ellis P, Waks S, Warner T, Platania-Phung C. 'It is always worth the extra effort': Organizational structures and barriers to collaboration with consumers in mental health research: Perspectives of non-consumer researcher allies. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2020; 29:1168-1180. [PMID: 32596992 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Consumer collaboration in mental health research has demonstrated significant benefits and reflects both contemporary research practice and policy goals for the expected genuine involvement of consumers in all aspects of mental health service delivery. Notable barriers have been identified as impeding consumer researcher positions that must be better understood and ultimately addressed. The aim of this research was to better understand these barriers from the perspectives of non-consumer researchers who have worked collegially with consumer researchers. We developed a self-report survey, Consumers as Researchers in Mental Health (CaRiMH) and administered it to non-consumer mental health researchers in Australia and New Zealand. Findings suggest a lack of organizational structures to support both consumer research and capacity building of consumer researchers. Most consumer researchers were employed casually with no set hours. Although consumer researchers were typically remunerated, inadequate funding and inflexibility of employment were highlighted as major barriers. There was variation in opinion about token involvement of consumer researchers and some uncertainty about whether these roles, where they existed, were actively resisted. Despite the acknowledged barriers, participants were positive about collaborations with consumer researchers. Overall, findings suggest consumer research is unlikely to proliferate without greater attention to organizational structures. A systematic and strategic approach to advancing mental health consumer research is required, including extra-organizational policy factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Happell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Cath Roper
- Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brett Scholz
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Pete Ellis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shifra Waks
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Terri Warner
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,ACT Mental Health Consumer Network, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Chris Platania-Phung
- Australian College of Applied Psychology, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Lambley R. Small talk matters! Creating allyship in mental health research. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14780887.2020.1769239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Lambley
- Converge, York Saint John University, York, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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9
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Scholz B, Platania-Phung C, Gordon S, Ellis P, Roper C, Bocking J, Happell B. Very useful, but do carefully: Mental health researcher views on establishing a Mental Health Expert Consumer Researcher Group. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2019; 26:358-367. [PMID: 31343799 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Contemporary mental health policy stipulates consumer participation in all aspects of mental health services including service evaluation and other forms of mental health research. Research is identified as underpinning quality mental health services, and therefore, consumers researchers could enhance the mental health sector by contributing to the quality, credibility and relevance of mental health research. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Non-consumer researchers generally supported the concept of a consumer expert reference group for researchers at the individual and institutional level. A consumer expert reference group should reflect diversity and offer expertise relevant to the topic of research and may represent one way to normalize partnerships with consumer researchers and realize the benefits they can bring to research. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Quality mental health services are underpinned by robust research evidence. It is crucial that consumers are active participants in research activity. The availability of a consumer expert reference group could facilitate collaborations between consumer and non-consumer researchers and contribute to a stronger consumer focus embedded in mental health research. Abstract Introduction Contemporary mental health policy identifies consumers as active participants in all aspects of mental health services from design to evaluation. Consumer researchers should be actively involved in mental health research and contribute to quality service delivery. Aim To gain a snapshot of mental health researcher views on strategies for increasing research by or with consumers in mental health through the establishment of an Expert Consumer Researcher Group (ECRG). Methods Cross-sectional survey of 41 non-consumer mental health researchers from Australia or New Zealand. Results The introduction of an ECRG was considered an effective strategy for linking consumer and non-consumer researchers and providing specialist advice on research design and methodology. The most suitable location for this group was identified as within consumer advocacy agencies (71%), universities (66%) or research funding bodies (66%). Participants rated their likelihood of seeking advice from the ECRG as high. Discussion Research participants supported the value of an ECRG. They emphasized the importance of ensuring the group reflected a diversity of views and offered specialized expertise related to the specific topic. The ECRG could benefit both individual researchers and larger research organizations. Implications for practice An ECRG could facilitate collaborations with consumer researchers and in turn enhance the quality of mental health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Scholz
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Chris Platania-Phung
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Gordon
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Pete Ellis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Cath Roper
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Psychiatric Nursing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Julia Bocking
- ANU Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Brenda Happell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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10
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Scholz B, Happell B. Response to Commentary by von Peter to Happell, Brenda, & Scholz, Brett (2018). Doing what we can, but knowing our place: Being an ally to promote consumer leadership in mental health. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 27(1), 440-447. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2019; 28:361-362. [PMID: 30390368 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brett Scholz
- ANU Medical School, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Brenda Happell
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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