Exploratory Evaluation of Co-produced Groups in a Community Psychiatry Organisation in England

This study evaluated co-produced rehabilitative social groups in English community psychiatric services. It aimed to describe the experience and views of staff and service users involved in group planning and delivery. A convenience sample (four staff and three service users) took part in this qualitative study. Service user co-producers were current/previous patients of secondary psychiatric services. The groups pre-existed this evaluation and included creative writing, walking, glass-crafting and reading activities. Interviews were semi-structured and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out by the first author using NVivo10 (©QSR) and reviewed and discussed with the second author. Co-production improved self-esteem, empowerment and purpose, and enabled recovery for service user co-producers. Staff provided necessary support for people with ongoing mental health problems. Risks were limited and well managed. Future research could examine the experiences of group participants who were not involved in co-production, and how organisational infrastructure can encourage these groups.