A Systematic Review of the Terms Used to Refer to People who use Mental Health Services: User Perspectives
Dickens and Picchioni (2011)
Terminology in Mental Healthcare can stigmatise or empower. This systematic review explores the empirical studies of terminology usages. The authors searched multiple databases using the terms – patient, client, service user and consumer. English language empirical studies were included and were assessed against a hierarchy of evidence and a 12-item checklist for methodological quality. The search found 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria – they were cross sectional surveys and measured participant preference. Results suggested that participants preferred Client or Patient. The authors conclude that whilst there is much debate over terminology, methodological rigour of existing studies is questionable, and generalisation and interpretation should be used with caution.
