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Table 5 Overview of descriptive non-data-based studies included in the review

From: Service user and caregiver involvement in mental health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review

Authors

Countries involved

Study design

Participant group and sample size

Area and level of service user involvement

Type of evaluation of involvement (if any)

Type of data collected/outcomes

Agrest (2011) [17]

Argentina (though also discusses historical involvement of service users in other counties (mainly England, Australia, Canada))

Commentary, non-data based paper (opinion/commentary on the history and future of service user groups, especially in relation to Argentina and specifically Buenos Aires)

N/A

There are a range of types of organisations and actors in Buenos Aires related to the service user movement including those related to families/carers, survivors, those attached to human rights, service users only, and also mixed associations with service users, families and psychiatrists. A new movement ‘nothing about us without us’ by and for service users is growing and importantly promotes activities in the community.

N/A

N/A

Ardila (2011) [19]

Argentina

No study design: This paper provides a commentary and develops some ideas related to involving users in service improvement

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Furtado & Campos (2008) [21]

Brazil

Commentary reflection on previous evaluation of mental health service, non-data based paper

N/A

Upon reflection, the participation of service users in the service evaluation was described as ‘gradual’. Researchers were exclusively involved at the start of the project because of funding and time constraints; however, other groups became involved later in the analysis of results, and final workshops and dissemination.

Makes recommendations about what factors to consider in the participatory evaluation of mental health services.

N/A

Hayward & Cutler (2007) [16]

Romania

Describes the progress and achievements of grassroots organisations and people with mental health problems in Romania in developing policies to promote community-based mental health services at the national level.

N/A

Stakeholders from all over Romania had the opportunity to work together, network and create strategic relationships for change by building grassroots coalitions across Romania

This has had some impact on policy-makers and subsequent actions

N/A