Exploring Consumer Perspectives Research Articles

Healthcare Self-advocacy Strategies for Consumers with Spinal Cord Injury: Qualitative Interviews with Consumers and Professionals

To explore consumer perspectives on effective self-advocacy in the health care setting for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), compared to rehabilitation professionals. Semi-structured qualitative interviews. In-person interviews were conducted with consumers. Telephone interviews were conducted with SCI professionals. Seven SCI consumers (5 men, 2 women); 4 professionals Not applicable Coding and thematic analysis of professionally transcribed qualitative interview data. Domain analysis revealed several domains and sub-domains: 1) primary care provider (PCP), with sub-domains of finding a PCP, qualities to look for in a doctor, and communication; 2) Equipment, with sub-domains of issues with obtaining equipment and insurance issues; 3) Self-Advocacy Skill Development, with sub-domains of general skills and health care navigation. Consumers recommend the most effective self advocacy skills they have experienced in the health care setting, as echoed by rehabilitation professionals.

Determining the effectiveness of mental health services from a consumer perspective: Part 1: Enhancing recovery

The routine use of standardized instruments to measure consumer outcomes is now part of mental health policy throughout Australia. However, it has been broadly criticized for (i) not involving consumer input into the design of instruments; and (ii) not reflecting the aspects of care and treatment considered beneficial for recovery by consumers themselves. The importance of the concept of recovery is increasingly considered in the literature. Despite this, there is a paucity of research describing the effectiveness of services in promoting recovery from the perspective of consumers of mental health services. The aim of this study is to explore consumer perspectives in relation to the factors that promote and impede recovery, and the principles that ideally should underpin the evaluation of services. Focus group interviews were conducted with consumers of mental health services (n = 16) from one rural and one metropolitan mental health service in Victoria, Australia. This paper presents Part 1 of the findings, pertaining to aspects of mental health services that enhance recovery. Two main themes arose during the data analysis process: (i) treatment; and (ii) support and social connectedness. Various treatment strategies, including medication and spiritual involvement, were considered helpful. However, support from both staff and peers emerged as a more important and influential factor.

The Needs of Older Persons at Risk of Housing Loss

This chapter explores the implications of some of the earlier findings about elders at risk, especially the significance of social support, mental competence, and income. There is need for research exploring consumer perspectives and preferences, as well as agency constraints and flexibility. Services needed include health and mental health outreach, home maintenance and creative matching of natural helpers and formal care. Fundamentally, a national commitment is needed to housing for all.