Patient and public involvement in mental health research: En route to maturity?

This collection of papers demonstrates a growing interest and maturity experience within the field patient public involvement utilizing range various forms with different groups communities. Many placed emphasis on dignity respect, Faulkner et al, Warner al.; others, for example Tyler al., Kuhne highlighted importance listening to voice. The need shared decision making was referred by Khan having patients young people as part research team indicated in work Walker where children formed project advisory group (CYPAG). relationships considered key Mulvale who incorporated integrative dynamics (ID) approach experience-based co-design (EBCD) overcome ‘us vs them’ thinking. Photovoice method choice used Weinstein colleagues when working individuals long-term mental illness, obesity living supportive housing. There are some careful explorations appropriate methods use often marginalized communities; example, Corvin al. examined application analytic hierarchy process (AHP) inform augmentation implementation an evidence-based chronic disease self-management programme underserved Latinos both minor depression illness. Thomas report honest reflection from low-income backgrounds throughout process; al outline engaging refugees at early stages research; Dewa explore impact co-productively saw significant research, researchers co-researchers. A patient-targeted feedback intervention after screening using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) focus Seeralan It needs be recognized that variety reasons, may not want participate outlined Bixo colleagues. In their study involving being ‘too tired/too sick participate’ most common barrier non-participation followed lack time fear needles. However, identified ways increasing likelihood participation such simplification procedures information, providing rewards feedback, building before asking. points raised equally applicable all studies PPI is aspect. Several evaluations service users and/or carers process. protocol paper, Littlewood describe longitudinal evaluating self-harm, results which will interesting see. Matheson Weightman take exploration into therapeutic realm viewing it potential co-researchers' community re-integration stage therapy complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), contributing empowerment through collective action. Morse carers, identify ethical dilemma heart endeavour: ownership story can speak whom. Along other this collection, becomes clear cannot regarded simply instrumental; has powerful political threads running it. Friesen these dilemmas more depth, confronting limitations seeking evidence impact. They suggest our search obscures grounds behind involvement, drive address imbalance power psychiatric knowledge-making: 'service have fought voice table merely help improve process, but because they right there'. advocate looking beyond quality participatory relation demands users, development user capacities and, crucially, sharing domains than just research. suggests approaches PPI; however, there still understanding difference between participation, engagement user-led alongside respect fields knowledge.