A framework for mental health consumers to evaluate service provision

This paper outlines a proposed framework including values, principles and steps, developed by consumers, to evaluate mental health services from a consumer's perspective.

A research team consisting of consumer researchers, established academics and students developed the framework. The team had already conducted qualitative research with consumers of mental health services. Using these experiences and the evaluation literature, the proposed framework was developed over a series of 13 meetings.

An evaluation framework, which describes the values underpinning consumer-directed evaluation of mental health services and the principles and steps to follow in conducting this type of evaluation, is presented.

The evaluation framework will guide consumers and services in conducting consumer-directed evaluation of mental health services, and assist in developing more genuine consumer participation in services.