Embedding lived experience into mental health academic research organizations: Critical reflections

Hawke, Lisa D.; Sheikhan, Natasha Y.; Jones, Nev; Slade, Mike; Soklaridis, Sophie; Wells, Samantha; Castle, David

Abstract

Background: As part of a growing emphasis on engaging people with lived experience of mental health conditions in mental health research, there are increasing calls to consider and embed lived experience throughout academic research institutes. This extends beyond the engagement of lay patients andalso considers the potential roles of academic researchers with lived experience. When the lived experience of academic researchers is applied to academic work, there is the potential to improve the relevance of the research, while destigmatizing mental illness within academia. However, there are different and often contrasting perspectives on the way a lived experience academic researcher initiative should be implemented. Objectives: This article describes some of the key issues to be considered when planning an initiative that leverages and values the lived experience of academic researchers, including the advantages and disadvantages of each potential approach. Discussion & Recommendations: Institutions are encouraged to reflect on the ways that they might support and value lived experience among academic researchers. In developing any such initiative, institutions are encouraged to be transparent about their objectives and values, undertake a careful planning process, involve researchers with lived experience from the outsetand consistently challenge the stigma experienced by academic researchers with lived experience. Patient or Public Contribution: Multiple authors are academic researchers with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Citation

Hawke, L. D., Sheikhan, N. Y., Jones, N., Slade, M., Soklaridis, S., Wells, S., & Castle, D. (2022). Embedding lived experience into mental health academic research organizations: Critical reflections. Health Expectations, 25(5), 2299-2305. https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13586

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 10, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 23, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Deposit Date: Aug 12, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 26, 2022
• Journal: Health Expectations
• Print ISSN: 1369-6513
• Electronic ISSN: 1369-7625
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 2299-2305
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13586
• Keywords: mental illness; addiction; academics; academic leadership; patient-oriented research; patient engagement; patient involvement; lived experience; lived expertise
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/9904989
• Publisher URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/hex.13586