Introduction: Recovery-oriented mental health policies recognise consumer and carer participation in service decision-making as essential, but little is known about the views of these individuals in the earliest stages of service development. Aim: This study sought consumer and carer perspectives addressing the establishment of a mental health research, treatment, and teaching facility in their region. Methods: Two 2 hr focus groups were conducted, with separate groups held for mental health consumers (n = 9) and carers (n = 9) respectively. Discussions pertained to mental health literacy, gaps in current services, desires for an ideal facility (in terms of physical design and services offered), and what would help in recovery. Results: Inductive thematic analysis was used to generate three themes: care outside of consultations, carer involvement in recovery, and holistic approaches to mental healthcare. Consumers desired a facility that could cater to individual needs. Carers felt excluded in recovery and unable to provide effective support. Both groups preferred holistic approaches to mental health, expressing ambivalence towards medication and hospitalisation. Discussion: Consumers and carers have many needs that conventional practices may not meet. Implications for practice: They have clear desires for equal partnership in recovery and for transformation of conventional treatment methods.
Relation
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing / Vol. Article in press
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