title: 'Consumer consultant': expanding the role of consumers in modern mental health services.
abstract: We aim to increase understanding about issues affecting 'consumer consultants' at an Area Mental Health Service level in the hope that consumers and mental health staff are informed of the challenges and changes associated with that role. Anecdotal feedback indicates that consumer consultants are working harder than ever and that their role is more diverse and challenging than before. Increased organizational demands and responsibilities are testing traditional roles and approaches. There is opportunity for greater sharing of expertise and skills among health professional staff and consumer consultants to enhance current work practices, increase workplace satisfaction, and achieve positive patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Research Unit, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. michelle.cleary@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cleary
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Escott
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom; D000078329:Workforce