Priority setting in research: User led mental health research

Background This paper is the result of continued collaboration between members of the Service User and Carer Research Partnership, based in Wales and supported by the National Centre for Mental Health, Health and Care Research Wales, and Hafal. The aim of this study was to explore the research priorities of people with experience of mental health services which include people with a lived experience of mental ill health, their carers, and professionals. Method A nominal group technique was used to gather data. A one-day workshop ‘Getting Involved in Research: Priority Setting’ was held to gather the ideas and suggestions for research priorities from people who have experience of mental health services. Results Twenty-five participants attended the workshop. 5 were mental health professionals, 20 had a lived experience of mental ill health, (of which 3 were also carers). 11 were male and 14 were female. 120 research ideas were generated across 6 ‘Ideas Generating Workstations’. Participants took part in a 3 stage vote to narrow down the ideas to 2 main research priorities. Conclusion The two main research priority areas that were identified: 1. ‘Developing the knowledge of mental health issues amongst school-aged children’ as a vehicle to overcome stigma and discrimination, and to support young people to manage their own mental health. 2. ‘Developing education as a tool for recovery’, for example by peer support. In addition, participants engaged in a notable discussion over the research priority: ‘How are carers supported during the recovery of the person for whom they care?’.