User participation and involvement in mental health rehabilitation: a literature review

Aim: This review aimed to identify and evaluate research on user participation and involvement in mental health rehabilitation; how it is viewed from the users and the professionals perspectives, how it affects the processes and outcome of rehabilitation, and which theories and research methods are used. Method: Empirical research papers from 1997-2007 were reviewed. A systematic search of international electronic databases was performed, using the Matrix Method. Findings: Thirteen papers based on quantitative and qualitative methods were included. Differing perspectives on user involvement, barriers and factors furthering rehabilitation were key themes highlighted. User participation and involvement has a positive effect on development of social skills, on outcome of rehabilitation and assists the prevention of helplessness. Conclusions: Although sparse, existing research suggests that user participation and involvement has a positive effect on the process and outcome of rehabilitation in mental health. Exploration of this area would benefit from greater clarity of theoretical concepts around user participation, and further research should explore barriers to user involvement.