Consumer? Views and preferences of people receiving public mental health care in Australia on the terms used to refer to them

Abstract

Objectives

To understand: a) whether adults receiving public mental health care were aware they were officially referred to as ‘consumers’ and, b) their views and preferences on the terms used to refer to them.

Methods

Single-page, anonymous survey conducted across two community mental health services in Northern New South Wales (NNSW). Ethics approval obtained from the local research office.

Results

108 people completed the survey with a response rate of approximately 22%. The vast majority (77%) of respondents were not aware that they were officially referred to as ‘consumers’. 32% of respondents disliked the term ‘consumer’ and 11% found it offensive. Half preferred the term ‘patient’, particularly when consulting a psychiatrist (55%). A small minority (5–7%) preferred the term ‘consumer’ for any care interaction.

Conclusion

Most respondents in this survey wished to be referred to as a ‘patient’ and a large proportion disliked being referred to as a ‘consumer’ or found it offensive. Further surveys should include broader sociodemographic and diagnostic/treatment variables. Official terms used to refer to people receiving public mental health care should be person-centred and evidence based.