Improving Service User Involvement in Mental Health Nursing Education: Suggestions from Those with Lived Experience

: Horgan Aine, Donovan Moira O., Doody Rory, Savage Eileen, Dorrity Claire, O’Sullivan Hazel, Goodwin John, Greaney Sonya, Biering Pall, Bjornsson Einar, Bocking Julia, MacGabhann Liam, Russell Siobhan, Griffin Martha, van der Vaart Kornelis Jan, Allon Jerry, Granerud Arild, Hals Elisabeth, Pulli Jarmo, Vatula Annaliina, Ellilä Heikki, Lahti Mari, Happell Brenda

Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC

: 2021

: Issues in Mental Health Nursing

: ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

: ISSUES MENT HEALTH N

: 42

: 2

: 119

: 127

: 9

: 0161-2840

: 1096-4673

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2020.1780529

Service user involvement in mental health nursing education is increasing and a developing evidence base is demonstrating more positive attitudes towards people labelled with a mental illness. To date, most research on this approach has focussed on the perspectives of nursing students, with very limited research drawing on the expertise and opinions of service users. The aim of this study was to explore potential improvements in mental health nursing education, and ways service user involvement can be enhanced as defined by service users themselves. An international qualitative research project was undertaken involving focus groups with service users (n = 50) from Australia and five European countries. The research was coproduced between Experts by Experience (service users) and mental health nurse academics. Data were analysed thematically. Findings reflected two broad themes: (1) improvements to content, including: further emphasis on developing emotional intelligence, understanding mental distress and broader context of care; (2) Improvements to service user involvement, including: support, format, and teaching and learning techniques. These findings provide direction for maximising the benefits of service user involvement and show the value of the expertise of service users.