Involving the public in mental health and learning disability research: Can we, should we, do we?

INTRODUCTION: Patient and public involvement (PPI) is integral to UK health research guidance, however implementation is inconsistent. There is little research into the attitudes of NHS health researchers towards PPI. AIM: This study explored the attitude of researchers working in mental health and learning disability services in the UK towards PPI in health research. METHOD: Using a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight researchers. A framework approach was used in the analysis to generate themes and core concepts. RESULTS: Participants valued the perspective PPI could bring to research, but frustration with tokenistic approaches to involvement work was also evident. Some cultural and attitudinal barriers to integrating PPI across the whole research process were identified. DISCUSSION: Despite clear guidelines and established service user involvement, challenges still exist in the integration of PPI in mental health and learning disability research in the UK. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Guidelines on PPI may not be enough to prompt changes in research practice. Leaders and researchers need to support attitudinal and cultural changes where required, to ensure the full potential of PPI in mental health and learning disability services research is realized. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Findings suggest that despite clear guidelines and a history of service user involvement, there are still challenges to the integration of PPI in mental health and learning disability research in the UK. For countries where PPI guidelines are being developed, attention needs to be paid to cultural factors in the research community to win “hearts and minds” and support the effective integration of PPI across the whole research process.