Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
Consumers' Suggestions for Improving the Mental Healthcare System: Options, Autonomy, and Respect
Morgan Shields1,2, Sara Scully3, Heidi Sulman3
1Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA. mshields@brandeis.edu.
Abstract:
While the mental healthcare-consumer voice has gained in legitimacy and perceived value, policy initiatives and system improvements still lack input from consumers. This study explores consumers' suggestions for improving the mental healthcare system. Participants (N = 46) were conveniently recruited and responded to an online survey asking: "What are your suggestions for improving the mental healthcare system?" Eight themes were identified using iterative, inductive and deductive coding. Themes included treatment options, autonomy and empowerment, respect and relationships, medication management, peer support, insurance and access, funding and government support, and treatment environment. Theoretically, there is interdependence among themes where five of the themes are foundational for the three main themes (i.e. treatment options, autonomy and empowerment, respect and relationships). Findings suggest that consumers see the need for improvement in patient-centered care. While access is the focus of much mental healthcare policy discussions, the ultimate goal should be provisioning person-centered mental healthcare.
Related Concept Videos
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Patient-centered Care
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Humanistic Therapy
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Introspection

