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A participatory approach to the development of a co-produced and co-delivered information programme for users of services and family members: the EOLAS programme (paper 1)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 January 2016

A. Higgins ,
D. Hevey ,
P. Gibbons ,
C. O'Connor ,
F. Boyd ,
P. McBennett  and
M. Monahan
A. Higgins*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
D. Hevey
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
P. Gibbons
Affiliation:
Celbridge Adult Mental Health Services, Kildare, Ireland
C. O'Connor
Affiliation:
Celbridge Adult Mental Health Services, Kildare, Ireland
F. Boyd
Affiliation:
Celbridge Adult Mental Health Services, Kildare, Ireland
P. McBennett
Affiliation:
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
M. Monahan
Affiliation:
School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: A. Higgins, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02, PN40 Ireland. (Email: ahiggins@tcd.ie)
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Abstract

Objective

The EOLAS programme is a peer and clinician-led mental health information programme on recovery from mental health difficulties, specifically for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorders, their family members and significant others.

Method

This article, the first of a two part series, outlines the background to and the rationale behind the EOLAS programme, and traces the participatory process used to inform the development and implementation of the pilot phase of the project. The aims of the programme, and the overarching principles that guided its development, delivery and evaluation, including the set-up of the project steering group are outlined and discussed.

Findings

Two separate programmes, one for family members and one for service users were designed. In addition, participant and facilitator handbooks were developed for each programme, including a training programme for facilitators.

Conclusion

Central to a recovery oriented service is the involvement of service users and families in the design and delivery of services. EOLAS is one potential model for achieving this aim.

Keywords

Co-facilitationfamily and service user educationmental healthpeer facilitationpsychoeducation

Information

Type
Original Research
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 34 , Issue 1 , March 2017 , pp. 19 - 27
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2016 

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