Developing and delivering accredited training on user-involvement

2012 Conference

Abstract:
UNTRAP (University/User Teaching and Research Action Partnership) is a partnership between service users, carers and academics, based at the University of Warwick. The organisation works to strengthen the voice and role of service users and carers in teaching and research in Health and Social Care.

UNTRAP is delivering accredited training on User-involvement in Health and Social Care Teaching and Research through the University of Warwick Centre for Lifelong Learning. The course is devised and facilitated by academics and UNTRAP members. It uses inter-active teaching methods and assessment techniques. It provides an opportunity for those involved in partnership working to gain a qualification at level 3 or 4 of the National Framework in a supportive learning environment. It furthermore provides a way to formalize some of the skills that participants have acquired through involvement in teaching and research. The course is delivered over 6 sessions held on Saturdays.

This paper will present reflections and lessons learnt in developing and delivering this course. It will outline the content of the course, discuss the main teaching and assessment techniques, and consider issues of inclusiveness. Finally, it will present preliminary evaluations from participants on the course. This accredited training is an opportunity for either individuals or organisations to formalise the experiential learning and expertise of users professionals and academics involved in teaching and research in health and social care.