Implementation of a mental health consumer academic position: Benefits and challenges.

Abstract

Academic positions for consumers of mental health services remain rare despite positive evaluation. This paper considers the benefits and challenges of a consumer academician position, from perspectives of stakeholders involved in the implementation. Qualitative, exploratory involving in-depth interviews with academicians. Thematic analysis identified the main benefits and challenges. Benefits identified included lived experience perspective and facilitates interaction and reflection; demonstrating recovery and promoting person centered care. Challenges identified included process, too close to home, and too little too late. Enhanced understanding of consumer academician positions could increase effectiveness and maximize educational opportunity.