Service user organisations: An untapped teaching resource

Abstract

Aims and Method: To evaluate the introduction of service user-led teaching on experiences of psychiatric services and interview style into the educational programme of trainee psychiatrists. Aten-session programme was devised and delivered in conjunction with a local service user Organisation. Twelve trainees underwent the training programme. Evaluation was undertaken through analysis of the feedback forms completed by the trainees. Results: No significant difference was found between service user-led and psychiatrist-led sessions in content, relevance or presentation. Clinical Implications: The study demonstrated that service user-led teaching can be integrated into a trainee's education programme without reducing the perceived quality or relevance of their education.