title: Research involving mental health consumers and carers: a reference group approach.
abstract: Policy changes within the mental health system are creating an increasing expectation that service providers increase the opportunities for consumer and carer participation in the planning, delivery and evaluation of mental health services. If they are to reflect this change in philosophy, researchers have an obligation to ensure the involvement of consumers and carers, above and beyond involvement as a participant in all relevant mental health research. This paper describes the establishment and function of a reference group, established to guide and assist with the conduct of a research project examining the experiences of consumers and carers with psychiatric disability support services. The formation and operation of, and the valuable contribution made by, the reference group is discussed.
authors.affiliation: The Centre for Psychiatric Nursing Research and Practice, School of Nursing, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lammers
authors.forename: Brenda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Happell
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers; D003256:Community Participation; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010361:Patients; D012107:Research Design; D014739:Victoria