"It is much more real when it comes from them": The role of experts by experience in the integration of mental health nursing theory and practice. Issue 4 (13th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Happell, Brenda; Waks, Shifra; Horgan, Aine; Greaney, Sonya; Manning, Fionnuala; Goodwin, John; Bocking, Julia; Scholz, Brett; Hals, Elisabeth; Granerud, Arild; Doody, Rory; Platania‐Phung, Chris; Griffin, Martha; Russell, Siobhan; MacGabhann, Liam; Pulli, Jarmo; Vatula, Annaliina; Browne, Graeme; van der Vaart, Kornelis Jan; Allon, Jerry; Bjornsson, Einar; Ellilä, Heikki; Lahti, Mari; Biering, Pall
• Is Part Of: Perspectives in psychiatric care. Volume 56:Issue 4(2020:Oct.)
• Page Start: 811
• Page End: 819
• Publication Date: 2020-03-13
• Subjects: COMMUNE -- consumer academic -- experts by experience -- mental health -- mental health nursing -- theory‐practice gap; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Psychiatric nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.890231
• DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12496
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-5990

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To examine nursing students' perceptions of Experts by Experience impact on theoretical and practical learning. Design and Methods: Qualitative exploratory study involving focus groups with undergraduate nursing students from five European countries and Australia. Data were analyzed thematically. Findings: Participants described positive impacts as: bridging the theory and practice gap through first‐hand experience, including sub‐themes: bringing theory to life; can't be taught any other way, and innovative teaching methods fueling curiosity . Relevance to Clinical Practice: Integrating theory and practice is key for quality mental health nursing practice. Experts by experience can potentially contribute to reducing this enduring gap.