Salutogenic service user involvement in nursing research: A case study

Area of Science:

• Nursing research
• Mental health promotion
• Qualitative research methodology

Background:

• Growing interest in evaluating service user involvement in nursing research.
• Limited descriptions of features enabling meaningful service user involvement.
• Research explored perceptions of mental health among individuals with mental disorders using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the process of involving mental healthcare service users as research advisors.
• To identify features that encouraged and empowered advisors' contributions to a mental health promotion research project.

Main Methods:

• Case study design to examine service user involvement processes.
• Analysis of project documents, texts, and focus group transcripts from research advisors.

Main Results:

• Service user involvement was dynamic across research stages.
• Six key features (leadership, meeting structure, role clarity, teamwork, focus on possibilities, holistic treatment) fostered salutogenic involvement.
• These features enhanced advisors' self-perception as valuable contributors.

Conclusions:

• Facilitating involvement processes promoted significant contributions from research advisors.
• A supportive structure and atmosphere aligned with salutogenic service user involvement.