From service user to VIP: what's in a name?

Abstract

Service user involvement is a growing and important trend in the whole of health and social care and yet when asked, it is difficult to define. Simply inviting service users and carers along to meetings can lead to tokenism and a tick box mentality towards user and carer involvement. This article argues that perhaps the term service user should change to something that reflects a greater understanding of the process. It is argued that people should not only be involved but also valued for their unique contribution, on a more equal footing with professionals.

Citation

Lloyd, M. (2008), "From service user to VIP: what's in a name?", The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, Vol. 3 No. 3, pp. 53-54. https://doi.org/10.1108/17556228200800021