Service user involvement in postgraduate mental health education. Does it benefit practice?

Abstract

Background and Aims: Few universities involve service users in the presentation of postgraduate mental health education. This retrospective study evaluates their influence on Masters students within a course that has done so for several years. Method: Questionnaires were sent to all students who had completed Masters-level modules that had substantial user involvement. All students were experienced practitioners, and currently employed. The modules, and courses of which they are a component, were designed in 1993/94 by educationalists and senior representatives of user groups, and continue to be managed and monitored by personnel who include senior user representatives. Twenty-six out of 41 questionnaires were returned and 10 of these respondents were also later interviewed by telephone. Results: Most respondents (79%) were very enthused by the user contributions; none considered their involvement was poor. A majority (87%) felt that they had benefited personally and professionally from the involvement of service users in the programme. Most significantly, from the perspective of postgraduate study outcomes and practice development, many had implemented user-focused initiatives in their practice as a consequence of undertaking their studies. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a contribution by service users to postgraduate programmes can motivate practitioners to implement changes to their practice in innovative ways. Declaration of Interest: None.