Through the eye of the service user representative, what key components contribute to value in integrated mental-health and social care services?

Abstract

Background: Knowledge and understanding remains poor regarding what optimally integrated mental-health and social care services entail from the service users’ perspective, but this knowledge is important in the development of services. Aim: To identify key components of integrated mental-health and social care services that contribute to value for service users in Sweden. Method: An explorative research study design was used, based on data from four group interviews with service-user representatives. Results: The analysis resulted in eight subcategories reflecting components that were reported to contribute to value for service users. These subcategories were grouped into three main categories: 1) professionals who see and support the whole person, 2) organizational commitment to holistic care and 3) support for equal opportunities and active participation in society. Conclusion: The complexity of integrated mental-health and social care services requires coordination across the individual and organizational levels as well as ongoing dialogue and partnerships between service users, service-user associations, and health and social care organizations. In this integration, it is important that service users and service-user associations not only are invited but actively participate in the design of care and support efforts.