Research design and methodology for a local mental health needs assessment

The development of a methodology for the assessment of the mental health needs of a local population is described. A framework of corporate consultation was adopted to include methods of accessing the views of key stakeholders. This involved a provider perspective from a survey of clinicians, a user perspective gained through a series of focus groups and a purchaser perspective obtained from semi-structured interview and focus groups. The method adopted for the focus groups was based on an 'ideal research and change practice', which offers potential for development and usage by service planners, including mental health nurses. This article explores issues around qualitative research and the implications for mental health nurses.