Establishing an Expert Mental Health Consumer Research Group: Perspectives of Nonconsumer Researchers.

PURPOSE:To explore the views and opinions of nonconsumer researchers to the concept of an Expert Consumer Researcher Group.DESIGN AND METHODS:Qualitative exploratory involving individual interviews with nonconsumer mental health researchers experienced in working collaboratively with consumer researchers. Data were analyzed thematically.FINDINGS:Participants viewed the concept positively, albeit with caution. Perceived advantages included: greater visibility and enhanced access; collegiality; sharing and creating expertise; broader acceptance; making it mandatory; and structure and location. Participants were concerned about potential tokenism and implementation barriers.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS:Consumer involvement enhances the quality and relevance of research, potentially impacting clinical practice.