Lived experience researchers partnering with consumers and carers to improve mental health research: Reflections from an Australian initiative. (30th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Banfield, Michelle; Randall, Rebecca; O'Brien, Mearon; Hope, Sophie; Gulliver, Amelia; Forbes, Owen; Morse, Alyssa R.; Griffiths, Kathleen
• Is Part Of: International journal of mental health nursing. Volume 27:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 1219
• Page End: 1229
• Publication Date: 2018-05-30
• Subjects: carer involvement -- consumer involvement -- consumer‐led research -- lived experience -- research partnership; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; 610.736805
• DOI: 10.1111/inm.12482
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-8330

Abstract

Abstract: Consumer and carer involvement in mental health research is a growing and developing field. Whilst there has been policy and in‐principle support for such involvement from governments around the world, lived experience researchers conducting academic research in partnership with other consumers and carers remains uncommon. ACACIA: The Australian Capital Territory Consumer and Carer Mental Health Research Unit is based at The Australian National University and employs academic researchers with lived experience to undertake research directly relevant to the needs of mental health consumers and carers with the aim of influencing policy and practice. In this study, we share our experience of developing and conducting research within ACACIA to provide a model for meaningfully engaging mental health consumers and carers throughout the research process.