Experiences of User Involvement in Mental Health Settings: User Motivations and Benefits

Introduction: Despite guidance promoting user involvement, meaningful involvement continues to be debated within services. To effectively implement involvement, it is important to acknowledge why users devote time to such activities.
Aim: This study explores user representatives’ experiences of involvement, including motivations and personal benefits.
Method: Thirteen user representatives involved in activities such as staff training and interviews were recruited from a UK National Health Service mental health Trust during 2015. Themes within semi-structured interviews were developed using constructivist grounded theory analysis. Memo-writing, process and focused coding, and core categories supported development of the conceptual framework of being a user representative.
Findings: Being a user representative was inextricably linked to wellness, yet staff governed opportunities. Making a difference to others and giving back were initial motivating factors. Experiences depended on feeling valued, and the theme of transition captured shifts in identity.
Discussion: User representatives reported increased confidence and wellbeing when supported by staff. However, involvement triggered mental health difficulties, and identified need for regular monitoring and reflection of involvement activities and practice.
Implications for practice: Services should consider coproduction, where users and staff agree together on involvement definitions. Dedicated involvement workers are crucial to supporting individual wellbeing and monitoring involvement.