Including service user perspectives in research: reflections of the Music & Health Research Group at the University of Limerick

This paper reflects the experiences of a group of researchers from the Music & Health Research Group , Sue, Triona, and Jason who are undertaking PhD research studies supervised by Jane that are oriented around service user1 experiences. An overview of the inclusion of service user perspectives is presented with reference to the deeper reflection on a client centred approach to research developing in health and social care research that is evident in recent music therapy research. Descriptions of service user inclusion within the three projects is provided. As can be seen from each project description, each researcher uses a theoretical base to frame and shape the research study.