Living with psychosis: Collaborative research designed by mental health service users

2010 Conference

Abstract:

The research process has distinct stages, each offering different opportunities for collaborative projects such as “Living with Psychosis”, created by the Researching Psychosis Together group. User researchers and occupational therapists will focus on specific stages for this presentation: defining the research topic, applying for funding, gaining approval, collecting data and using the findings. For example, allowing time to define the research topic increased the sense of ownership and sustained interest through the paperwork process of applying for funding and gaining formal approval.

The research was designed to capture service user knowledge of living with psychosis through qualitative methods, and use the findings to inform practice and self-help. Applications for funding were made including an unsuccessful bid for the Research for Patient Benefit grant. Formal approval was obtained, raising discussions about user researcher expertise and knowledge. Recruitment relied on service user networks, requiring a high level of involvement from user researchers. The MSc student enabled smooth progress through data collection and initial analysis, creating a good basis for further analysis and presentation of the findings.