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Consumers and families as partners in implementing evidence-based practice
Richard C Birkel1, Laura Lee Hall, Tom Lane
1NAMI, 2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201, USA. rick@nami.org
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|January 9, 2004
Summary
Consumers and families are vital partners in advancing evidence-based practices (EBPs) in mental health care. Greater involvement in research, policy, and monitoring will improve treatment and address disparities.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health System
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are crucial for mental health care.
- Current systems undervalue consumer and family involvement in EBP development and implementation.
- This leads to suboptimal partnerships and limited community buy-in.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for a significantly expanded role for consumers and family members in mental health EBPs.
- To highlight the potential of consumer-led initiatives in research, service delivery, policy, and EBP monitoring.
- To propose a research agenda that integrates consumer perspectives for improved outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and advocacy for increased consumer and family engagement.
- Proposal for a three-track research program emphasizing action research.
- Involvement of consumers as research and evaluation partners.
Main Results:
- Consumer and family engagement is currently undervalued in research, policy, and funding.
- Enhanced consumer participation can expedite equitable EBP implementation.
- Integrating consumers as research partners accelerates breakthroughs in serious mental illness treatment.
Conclusions:
- Rethinking the importance of consumer and family roles is essential for EBP advancement.
- Action research and consumer partnership are key to addressing mental illness disparities.
- Empowering consumers and families is critical for recovery and equitable care.