Mental health users' experiences of being interviewed by another user in a research project. A qualitative study

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe how users experience participation in research interviews performed by other users. Method: A varied sample of 17 mental health users with experience of being interviewed in a research project by another user was thematically interviewed in this qualitative study. Data was subject to content analysis. Results: Being interviewed by another user was a special experience including both negative and positive aspects, and took place in an atmosphere of comradeship. However, being interviewed by another user could generate feelings of insecurity. This finding indicates requirements from the informants how to perform user-involved research in the future. Conclusions: In planning for user-involved research education, it is necessary to consider training and issues related to secure ethical principals concerning the informants.