title: Co-production as an approach to developing stakeholder partnerships to reduce mental health inequalities: an evaluation of a pilot service.
abstract: Aim This study aimed to evaluate a pilot cross-sector initiative - bringing together public health, a community group, primary mental health teams and patients - in using co-production approaches to deliver a mental health service to meet the needs of the black and minority ethnic communities.
  
  
  
  Black and minority ethnic communities continue to face inequalities in mental health service access and provision. They are under-represented in low-level interventions as they are less likely to be referred, and more likely to disengage from mainstream mental health services. Effective models that lead to improved access and better outcomes are yet to be established. It has long been recognised that to be effective, services need to be more culturally competent, which may be achieved through a co-production approach.
  
  
  
  This study aimed to evaluate the role of co-production in the development of a novel community mental health service for black and minority ethnic service users. Qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups, were used to collect data to examine the use of co-production methods in designing and delivering an improved mental health service. Findings Twenty-five patients enrolled into the study; of these, 10 were signposted for more intensive psychological support. A 75% retention rate was recorded (higher than is generally the case for black and minority ethnic service users). Early indications are that the project has helped overcome barriers to accessing mental health services. Although small scale, this study highlights an alternative model that, if explored and developed further, could lead to delivery of patient-centred services to improve access and patient experience within mental health services, particularly for black and minority ethnic communities.
authors.affiliation: 1Senior Public Health Practitioner,Tri-Borough Public Health Service,London,UK.
authors.forename: Saumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lwembe
authors.affiliation: 2Public Health Research Fellow,NIHR CLAHRC for North West London,Imperial College London,London,UK.
authors.forename: Stuart A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Green
authors.affiliation: 3Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner,West London Mental Health NHS Trust,London,UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chigwende
authors.affiliation: 4Chief Executive,Opportunity for All,London,UK.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ojwang
authors.affiliation: 5Clinical Psychologist,West London Mental Health NHS Trust,London,UK.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dennis
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D065246:Culturally Competent Care / Q000592:standards*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D054525:Minority Health; D017146:Models, Organizational; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: BME mental health; anxiety; coproduction; ethnicity; health inequalities; minority groups; psychotherapy