Promoting genuine consumer participation in mental health education: a consumer academic role.
Mental health policy reform in Australia has led to the expectation of increased consumer participation not only in all aspects of service delivery, but also in the education and training of mental health professionals. The aim of this paper is to explore the development and introduction of a role for a consumer of mental health services within an academic institution, including achievements of the role and the principles contributing to successful implementation. The consumer academic position was successfully implemented and has proved a valuable role. The success of the role was considered to be dependent on the following factors: partnership and commitment, support, scope and autonomy. In conclusion, a consumer can play a valuable role within an academic institution. However, success will depend upon a number of important environmental factors that promote the independence of the consumer voice.
Happell
Brenda
B
Professor of Contemporary Nursing, Department of Nursing and Health Studies, Central Queensland University, Bruce Hwy, Rockhampton, Queensland 4701, Australia. b.happell@cqu.edu.au
Roper
Cath
C
D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017145:Models, Educational; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D012380:Role; D012579:Schools, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014739:Victoria