Equipping service users/carers for research

2014 Conference

Abstract: This presentation will explore how patient and public involvement in the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded EQUIP (Enhancing the Quality of User Involved care Planning in mental health services) research programme is being achieved. The presentation will address: the role of a pioneering research methods and design course for service users and carers so that they could become fully involved in every aspect of the research process; the role of trained user/carer co-applicants and co-investigators in research design, data collection and dissemination; and the establishment and function of a trained Service User and Carer Advisory Group to the project.

The learning outcomes include: the importance of training in research design and research methods for meaningful collaboration throughout the research process; the value and impact of user/carer co-investigators; and good practice guidelines for working with Service User and Carer Advisory Groups. The presentation will contribute to the discussion regarding the drivers and barriers to meaningful involvement in research. Through sharing positive experiences of involvement, as well as challenges, the aim is to provoke discussion as to what good practice in patient and public involvement in the research process looks like, especially in relation to education and training.

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