‘Telling their stories’ on a dual diagnosis training course: Forensic mental health service users' perspective on their challenges, benefits and future strategies

A five day training course on dual diagnosis was developed by the authors in 2008 and delivered annually within the Irish forensic mental health service. Service users were invited to tell their stories on the training course. Literature suggests several therapeutic outcomes for service users such as raised self esteem, empowerment and new insight into their problems. However little is known from an Irish service users' perspective. This qualitative descriptive study was aimed at exploring the experiences of service users' telling their stories on a dual diagnosis training course. Data was collected using one-to-one interviews from seven service users. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. Three themes emerged from the analysis: the benefits, the challenges for the service users and strategies for their future involvement. Service users reported psychological, personal and social benefits and there were perceived benefits for the learners. Public speaking, preparing for the talk and taking questions from the trainees were the main challenges. They suggested several strategies for overcoming challenges in the future courses. In this article, while the authors discuss the need for empowering service users and providing them with adequate support, there are also practical and useful suggestions for the course coordinators/nurse educators. Authors recognise that service user involvement requires extensive time and significant support in preparing and training for their participation which may impact upon resources.