User involvement in health and social care education: a concept analysis

This paper presents an evaluative discussion of the literature, and findings from a concept analysis which explores user involvement in the context of health and social care higher education in the United Kingdom. User involvement is increasingly a requirement in higher education and the purpose of the concept analysis was to clarify and elucidate the meaning and nature of the concept. Walker and Avant's (2005) eight step framework for concept analysis was used to provide understanding of the underlying attributes and a model for critique and meaningful evaluation and research. A structured search and discussion of contemporary literature was undertaken. A model case is identified along with antecedents, critical attributes and consequences. The complexities of involvement are delineated with a recommendation for robust research that explores the benefits of involvement.