Evaluation of a co-facilitated information and learning programme for service users: the EOLAS programme

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Recovery
• Patient Education
• Collaborative Healthcare

Background:

• Co-production and co-facilitation of recovery-focused education programs offer meaningful partnership opportunities for service users.
• Integrating service user perspectives enhances the relevance and effectiveness of mental health education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a clinician and peer co-facilitated program on service users' knowledge, confidence, recovery attitudes, advocacy, and hope.
• To explore service users' experiences with this collaborative educational model.

Main Methods:

• A sequential design utilized pre-post surveys to measure changes in key outcomes.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative insights into participants' experiences.
• Fifty-three participants completed surveys, and twelve participated in interviews.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements were observed in service users' knowledge, confidence, and advocacy.
• Interviews revealed enhanced awareness of distress and wellness, and increased hope.
• Peer facilitation normalized experiences, while dual facilitation promoted equality and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Co-facilitated education programs involving service users and clinicians demonstrate significant strengths.
• Acknowledging and respecting both experiential and formal knowledge is crucial for effective recovery education.
• This model fosters meaningful collaboration and enhances service user empowerment.