Counting on change for mental health services

A new research system aims to give Mersey Care service users, past and present, a chance to make services better for everyone.

Count Me In gives people the opportunity to share data about themselves and learn about research opportunities relevant to their health condition, up to five years after being a service user. There is no need to opt in to the scheme as information is provided about it in appointment letters, posters and leaflets in waiting areas. There’s an opportunity to opt out if you don’t wish to take part.

Dr Oladayo Bifarin (pictured above) is the Research Effectiveness Lead for the scheme. A mental health nurse by background, he is keen to encourage NHS staff and service users to get involved. “I meet people all the time whose lives are affected by their mental health and I want them to have the best care,” he said. “In today’s world, one of the most valuable tools available to develop services is data - information about people and their conditions - so we can see the big picture.

“Without your support, our vision isn’t as clear. Just being included in Count Me In means you’re giving hope to us, other service users and yourself.”

Michelle Harvey, programme manager at Informatics Merseyside, is co-leading the project and explains why everyone’s opinion counts. “Everyone who’s used mental health services has valuable experiences to share. We want to deliver world class research and innovation in health and wellbeing. And we’re determined to shorten the time it takes for effective treatment and interventions to reach those patients and service users who would benefit.

“By staying opted into Count Me In, you may be contacted about a research opportunity relevant to you. However, there’s no pressure to take part – it’s completely your choice and you can opt out at any time.

“A huge thank you to everyone supporting our research and improvement activities - together we can make a difference for service users, patients and health care delivery, now and in the future.”

Find out more at: merseycare.nhs. uk/count-me-in

What is health data?

Information on people and their health to improve treatments and services. Data could include age, gender and types of health conditions.

Why have Count Me In?

In the past, Mersey Care has relied on health care workers such as doctors and nurses to approach people individually to take part in research. Now this single, secure database, governed by strict confidentiality and privacy rules, identifies and invites people to take part –unless they choose to opt out. This means more people will:

• Be informed about research

• Take part in research

• Receive better health and social care.

Feel safe:

• Only authorised Mersey Care staff will inform you of potential research activities

• Your data is protected and secure, safeguarded by data protection laws, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, May 2018) and by the duty of confidentiality of our health care professionals.

If you change your mind, you can opt out (or opt back in) by:

• Visiting merseycare.nhs.uk/ count-me-in to complete the online form

• Calling 0151 351 8476 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) if you need assistance to complete the online form

• Speaking with your care team.

Staff will also have the chance to get involved through clinical trials, use of new technologies and evaluation of techniques and service improvements.