ABSTRACT

The book has described the state of the art of methods in mental health service research. The wider context of such research was outlined, including its impact on the media, the public, mental health policies, service development, and clinical practice. By considering research consumption and the impact of research on the ‘real world’ one leaves the ivory tower of academic research, and instead must consider the metalevel perspective of the relationship between research production and consumption. We have argued that such a perspective might be helpful for the different stakeholders in mental health service research, particularly when it comes to decisions on research methods.