Evidence Library

Title: Mental health service user involvement in research: where have we come from, where are we going?
Author: Kara, H.
Date Published: 2013
Reference: Journal of Public Mental Health, 12(3), 122-135
Are service users or carers authors: Yes

Abstract: Aim: To assess the extent and value of mental health service user (MHSU) involvement in research in England. Method: A review of the academic and grey literature from 2002. Findings: Involvement of MHSU adds value to research, also benefiting everyone involved. Four gaps in the literature were identified: 1. Lack of evidence of researchers’ experience of involvement of MHSUs. 2. Lack of recognition that many people involved in research may hold more than one role, for example many researchers are carers and MHSUs but may not disclose this information. 3. Carers are not identified separately from MHSUs, if they are included at all. 4. MHSU researchers could contribute to research that is not about mental health. Conclusions: Recognising the multiple roles and identities that exist for everyone involved in research has the potential to help with the redistribution of power necessary for effective involvement. Without this recognition, people tend to categorise themselves as belonging to one or other group (researchers, or researched) and the power struggle between the groups continues.


Related entry: none currently available

Categories: health
public health
social care
Identifying topics, prioritising and commissioning
Designing research
Managing research
Undertaking research
Analysing and interpreting
Writing up and disseminating
impact on research
impact on research ethics
impact on service users involved
impact on researchers
nature and extent of public involvement in research
impact of public involvement
reflecting on public involvement in research
journal article

Date Entered: 2014/08/19

Date Edited: 2014/08/19

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