Involving service users in the training of mental health professionals: an exploratory study & clinical research portfolio

Objectives: Accreditation of clinical psychology programmes requires the involvement of service users in training. Little is known about service users’ views and preferences for their involvement in education. This study aimed to explore service users’ views about the training of mental health professionals. Design: This study used qualitative methods, specifically thematic analysis of focus group interviews. Methods: 31 participants took part in 5 focus group discussions. Participants had all used adult mental health services and focus groups were organised through service user organisations. Results: Three key themes emerged from participants’ discussions. 1. A meeting of two human beings: Participants described how they valued collaborative therapeutic relationships where they were listened to and understood as a whole person. 2. Interactions with the mental health system: Participants spoke about the impact of the system upon them and their desire for easier access to services and choice between treatments. 3. Considering involvement: Participants wanted their experience to have greater value in the education of health professionals, they wanted greater consideration over who should represent them to services and wanted support to be involved. Conclusions: Training should emphasise development of interpersonal skills and collaborative therapeutic relationships. Clinicians should be skilled in a number of therapeutic approaches to foster client choice. Training should incorporate the expertise that comes from personal experience, perhaps through further development of reflective practice.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

DClinPsy

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Glasgow

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Cook, Michelle K.M.

• R Medicine (General)