Community coercion in mental health: where to for service-user-led research?

Abstract

Service-user research is increasingly important in health and social care in some countries but is relatively or completely undeveloped elsewhere. This chapter begins with a brief overview of the development of service-user research in the field of mental health. A definition of what is and isn’t service-user research is provided and common misconceptions challenged; its benefits are described alongside any potential disadvantages. Service-user research in mental health care is outlined and the evidence in relation to coercion in psychiatry reviewed. Much of the evidence relates to experience of institutional environments but has clear relevance for community service providers and recipients too. The small body of evidence relating to community coercion is reviewed in detail. The current state of evidence and ongoing research in this field is summarized and the ways in which service-user research can be developed in the future are discussed.