![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
Background : Users involvement in mental health service development is increasing. Psychiatrists' attitudes are likely to affect the impact of this, but have not been systematically studied. Method : Qualitative study based on interviews with 14 general psychiatrists in North-west England. Results : Findings cover psychiatrists' expectations, hopes and concerns about user involvement. In general, psychiatrists talk about user involvement in terms of a scientific utilitarian frame of reference, and can be seen as clustering in three groups - optimists, rationalists and sceptics - according to the extent of their support. Expressed support seems likely to conceal a range of attitudes. Consideration is given to contextual and other influences on expressed views, and to potential stigmatization of service users. Conclusions : This study offers conceptual frameworks for further research and for work to develop user involvement. It suggests that overemphasis on a scientific paradigm may help to limit users' influence.