title: Pathways to translating experiential knowledge into mental health policy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research explored the pathways through which the experiential knowledge of people who need and use mental health and social housing services (citizen-users) gains access to policymaking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative instrumental case study methodology focused the study on the policy field of mental health and social housing in Manitoba, Canada. Data collection included interviews with 21 key informants from four policy actor groups: citizen-users, service providers, advocacy organization representatives, and government officials. Relevant policy-related documents were also reviewed. Data were analyzed using inductive qualitative methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Key informants described diverse pathways through which the experiential knowledge of citizen-users has been communicated to policy decision makers. Pathways have involved direct discourse between citizen-users and decision makers. Alternatively, indirect pathways were ones in which experiential knowledge was translated by other policy actors. Informants identified factors that could influence the integrity of the indirect pathways: the length and complexity of the pathways, the motivations and interests of the translators, and strategies to enhance the pathways. The pathways could be strengthened by developing the culture, leadership, knowledge, skills and attitudes supportive of engaging citizen-users and by accurately translating their experiential knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If citizen-users are to be included in policymaking in a recovery-oriented mental health system, action must be taken to enhance the pathways through which their experiential knowledge reaches policymaking processes. Service providers, advocacy organization representatives and government officials can all take action to promote social policymaking that is informed by citizen-users' ideas and experiences.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. g_restall@umanitoba.ca
authors.forename: Gayle
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Restall
authors.forename: Juliette E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kaufert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003256:Community Participation; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011050:Policy Making; D011638:Public Housing; D055815:Young Adult