Critical conversations: developing a methodology for service user involvement in mental health nursing

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Healthcare Education
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Background:

• Policy initiatives highlight the need for greater service user involvement in mental health services.
• Current practices often lack visibility and structured methodologies for meaningful engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and discuss a methodology for enhancing service user and carer involvement in mental health care.
• To explore the needs of service users and carers participating in mental health care initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing critical conversation or narrative techniques.
• Exploration of service user and carer needs in the context of involvement.

Main Results:

• Identification of three key themes through critical conversation.
• Participants valued developing relationships with shared goals while respecting diverse needs and promoting recovery.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology can effectively increase service user involvement.
• The methodology is applicable in educational settings, particularly for mental health nurse education.