We're not cases and you're not managers: An account of a client-professional partnership developed in response to the "borderline" diagnosis.

Abstract

Anne Nelson (pseudonym), a consumer and survivor, is a Board Member of Homeward Projects in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ms. Nelson has chosen to use a pseudonym because of the very personal nature of the information she has disclosed.

Empowerment versus power: consumer participation in mental health services

“…This is what makes consumer input so critical. Research confirms that mental health workers and consumers differ in their perceptions about many basic things, such as problem definition, client priorities, relevance and value of services and desired outcomes (Everett and Nelson, 1992;Clark et al, 1993). Because of this unique perspective, consumers' ideas and opinions may be very different from those of other interested parties.…”

“…There is an increasing body of literature which advocates consumer participation in the planning and delivery of health services in general (for example, Barnes and Wistow, 1992b) and mental health services in particular (for example, Stroul, 1989;Burgess and Burns, 1990;WHO, 1990;Pyke et al, 1991;Woodside, 1991;Everett and Nelson, 1992;Hanson and Rapp, 1992;Clark et al, 1993;Hickey and Kipping, 1998). The importance of a system of service delivery that focuses on consumer needs has also achieved prominence in the Australian healthcare system (NSW Department of Health, 1995), and in the mental health system specifically (Australian Health Ministers, 1992;Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission, 1993).…”

“…The success of occupational therapy intervention depends on the degree of the client's engagement in the intervention, and engagement will occur only if the activities are seen as meaningful (Reilly, 1962;Creek, 1990). What is meaningful and important to the client should never be assumed, as therapist and consumer perceptions may differ (Everett and Nelson, 1992;Clark et al, 1993).…”

Involving Clients in Programme Evaluation and Research: A New Methodology for Occupational Therapy

“…Many authors, both professionals and consumers, support the view that mental health professionals and clients differ in their perceptions about: the relevance of treatment services; client priorities; client problem areas; the value of treatment provided; and the desired treatment outcome (Boydell & Everett, 1992;Capponi, 1990;Elbeck & Fecteau, 1990;Estroff, 1991;Everett & Nelson, 1992;Kalman, 1983;Larsen et al, 1979;Law et al, 1990;Luft, Smith & Kace, 1978;Lynch & Knizich, 1986;Nelson & Niederberger, 1990;Ridgway, 1988;Tanzman, undated;Prager & Tanaka, 1980). Many authors, both professionals and consumers, support the view that mental health professionals and clients differ in their perceptions about: the relevance of treatment services; client priorities; client problem areas; the value of treatment provided; and the desired treatment outcome (Boydell & Everett, 1992;Capponi, 1990;Elbeck & Fecteau, 1990;Estroff, 1991;Everett & Nelson, 1992;Kalman, 1983;Larsen et al, 1979;Law et al, 1990;Luft, Smith & Kace, 1978;Lynch & Knizich, 1986;Nelson & Niederberger, 1990;Ridgway, 1988;Tanzman, undated;Prager & Tanaka, 1980).…”

“…Deegan (1988), a clinical psychologist and client, writes about the distinction between being rehabilitated and recovery, and about the role of clients in the mental health care system. Everett and Nelson (1992) give an account from their experience of client-professional partnerships and report that the majority of clients in their housing project did not want to learn the daily living skills which are often considered important priorities by case managers. Everett and Nelson (1992) give an account from their experience of client-professional partnerships and report that the majority of clients in their housing project did not want to learn the daily living skills which are often considered important priorities by case managers.…”