Experience-based co-design in an adult psychological therapies service

Abstract

Background: Experience-based co-design (EBCD) is a methodology for service improvement and development, which puts service-user voices at the heart of improving health services.

Aims: The aim of this paper was to implement the EBCD methodology in a mental health setting, and to investigate the challenges which arise during this process.

Method: In order to achieve this, a modified version of the EBCD methodology was undertaken, which involved listening to the experiences of the people who work in and use the mental health setting and sharing these experiences with the people who could effect change within the service, through collaborative work between service-users, staff and managers.

Results: EBCD was implemented within the mental health setting and was well received by service-users, staff and stakeholders. A number of modifications were necessary in this setting, for example high levels of support available to participants.

Conclusions: It was concluded that EBCD is a suitable methodology for service improvement in mental health settings.

Keywords: Clinical psychology; experience-based co-design; mental health; secondary care; service evaluation; service-user involvement; therapy.