Drug service user groups: Only a partial solution to the problem of developing user involvement

Abstract

Aims: To investigate and describe the role of drug service user groups in local service user involvement (UI). Method: Mixed-method study involving cross-sectional survey of commissioners, providers and users of drug treatment services and qualitative in-depth case studies in samples of drug action teams in England. Findings: User groups experience problems with sustainability. While the majority of sites reported current or past involvement with user groups, active groups were identified in only a third of sites. These groups varied widely in form and function. Generally groups provided solidarity for users and access to expert opinion for agencies. There was evidence of conflict between user and agency expectations that was exacerbated by power imbalance, role ambiguity and inadequate infrastructure. While the transience of groups was viewed pragmatically by some, others perceived such problems as confirmation that people who use drugs are unable to form effective groups. Conclusions: User groups are fundamental to UI, but are only a partial solution to the challenge of developing UI. Clarity of purpose and process and appropriate support are crucial. Further research should focus on factors that enable groups to function interdependently and contribute to UI without being seen as the exclusive mechanism for it.

Inmates’ perspectives on prison drug treatment

“…Since Koester et al's work, similar studies have been conducted (e.g. Al-Tayyib and Koester, 2011;Dahl, 2007;Deering et al, 2011;Kolind, 2007;Laudet et al, 2009;McKegany et al, 2004;Patterson et al, 2008;Patterson et al, 2010). For instance, researchers have argued that the way treatment services are delivered, including the professional approach of the counsellors towards the clients, is as important as the actual content (Kolind 2007).…”

How People with Lived Experiences of Substance Use Understand and Experience User Involvement in Substance Use Care: A Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

“…The importance of gaining knowledge from lived experience of substance use is illustrated by these quotes from a male patient in the Norwegian public specialised mental health and substance abuse services: "The personnel must understand that their experience is not enough" [30] (p. 1236). A service user from England noted, "They can't solve the problem without us" [35] (p. 59). A service user from Finland stated, "This is a kind of disease you can only comprehend if you have experience of your own.…”

“…The focus was on how they could use their knowledge and skills to deliver help and support services. Different variants of ex-users participating in the welfare system were highlighted, such as the employment of ex-drug users [29], and peer engagement in public health decisions, as well as the ex-user providing information to people having substance use problems [7], running drop-in offers [35], and being involved in the development, evaluation, and organising of services [2]. Van Hout and McElrath [36] referenced the Service User Support Team as a community employment scheme for those in recovery, which supports and advocates for people who use drugs and alcohol.…”

“…Van Hout and McElrath [36] referenced the Service User Support Team as a community employment scheme for those in recovery, which supports and advocates for people who use drugs and alcohol. Patterson et al [35] describes how welfare service user groups provide forums for organisation-led consultation and user-agency communication. Service user groups also reported representation on decision-making bodies, and participated in agency training, recruiting agency staff, and quality assurance programmes [35].…”

“…Patterson et al [35] describes how welfare service user groups provide forums for organisation-led consultation and user-agency communication. Service user groups also reported representation on decision-making bodies, and participated in agency training, recruiting agency staff, and quality assurance programmes [35]. It was emphasised in several of the studies that, due to their experience, people with lived experiences of substance use should be accorded a high level of validity when considering service design and delivery.…”