Critical conversations: Developing a methodology for service user involvement in mental health nursing

Aim: Recent policy initiatives have identified that service user involvement in the education, design and delivery of mental health services should be more evident. This paper will discuss a methodology that was developed to do this. Method: A small study was designed and undertaken to explore the needs of service users and carers when becoming involved in mental health care. This paper will discuss the methodology that was developed for the study in order to make involvement practices more visible. Findings: A critical conversation or narrative was developed that identified three main themes. Developing relationships with service users and carers that share universal goals whilst respecting diverse needs and encouraging recovery were found to be valued by the participants. Conclusion: The paper will conclude by showing how this methodology can be equally applied in a learning context, relevant for mental health nurse education. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.