Lived experience practitioners and the medical model: world's colliding?

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Healthcare Policy and Reform
• Consumer Participation in Healthcare

Background:

• Australian mental health policy mandates genuine consumer participation.
• Lived experience practitioner roles are implemented to enhance consumer focus.
• These roles aim to improve mental health service delivery and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences and opinions of individuals in lived experience roles.
• To enhance understanding of the perspectives of lived experience practitioners.
• To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of lived experience roles.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory methodology was employed.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 lived experience practitioners.
• Qualitative data analysis was used to identify core themes.

Main Results:

• The medical model emerged as a significant barrier.
• Participants reported the medical model culture limits lived experience roles and recovery.
• This prevailing culture hinders the implementation and effectiveness of these roles.

Conclusions:

• A robust lived experience workforce is crucial for recovery-oriented services.
• Adequate resourcing and support are necessary for lived experience practitioners.
• Critiquing the medical model is vital to prevent tokenism and facilitate genuine reform.