Demystifying Research and Evidence-Based Practice for Consumers and Carers: Development and Evaluation of an Educational Package

• Published in: Issues in mental health nursing 2008, Vol.29 (2), p.131-143
• Main Authors: Cleary, Michelle, Matheson, Sandra, Walter, Garry, Malins, Gillian, Hunt, Glenn E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Attitude of Health Personnel; Attitude to Health; Education, Continuing - organization & administration; Educational programmes; Evidence based research; Evidence-Based Medicine - education; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel - education; Health Personnel - psychology; Health Services Research - organization & administration; Humans; Male; Mental health services; Mental Health Services - organization & administration; Middle Aged; New South Wales; Nursing; Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration; Program Development; Program Evaluation; Psychiatric nursing; Researcher-Participant relationships; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0161-2840; 1096-4673
• DOI: 10.1080/01612840701792340

Increasingly, consumers and carers are involving themselves in many aspects and levels of mental health services. However, one area in which active involvement has been less prominent is research. This paper describes an educational initiative that sought to increase consumers' and carers' understanding of the way research is conducted and its role in evidence-based practice. Information regarding participants' attitudes towards research, knowledge about research practice and participation was also examined. The findings provide evidence that workshop attendance increases knowledge and encourages participation in future research projects, particularly when participants have confidence in the researcher.