User empowerment: A user-led survey of user-staff ward meetings in a challenging behaviour unit

Aims : Evaluation of users’ perspectives on ward meetings on a low secure challenging behaviour unit with high levels of morbidity as a means towards increasing their sense of empowerment. Method : Semi-structured questionnaire designed and administered by a user to all users on the unit over the period of June–Aug 2004 and review of ward meeting minutes over the same period. Results : 60% response rate. Issues were analysed and issues of importance highlighted and changes made. Conclusion : On challenging behaviour wards with very high morbidity and long stays, involving the users actively in ward meetings and addressing concerns with feedback is empowering and can be therapeutic. This study highlights this need.