Mental health facility codesign: A new research method for integrating the service user voice in design processes using virtual reality

BACKGROUND: Within healthcare environments, the emerging field of evidence-based design (EBD) explores the links between wellbeing and good design practice of the built environment. AIM: By optimising both design processes and design outcomes, knowledge produced within this field seeks to improve staff performance, augment patient healing and enhance service outcomes and experiences. METHODS: In a prior study by the author, a mental health service building design was developed which integrated feedback from mental health service users relative to what aspects of the built environments of their care would enhance their service outcomes and experiences, encourage them to avail themselves of services and/or engage in therapy, and those that would reduce their willingness to avail themselves of services. RESULTS: The research project protocol detailed here is the final testing stage of this body of work, where service users are invited to evaluate the final building design, experienced through virtual reality. This study addresses a gap in the literature, and aims to advance the field of EBD, and codesign with mental health service users, using virtual reality. CONCLUSIONS: This research method details the aims, study design, methods and limitations of the study, with recommendations for future researchers.