Enhancing Learning from Lived Experiences Buddy System

Purpose: The current research project aimed to evaluate the new trainee and Experts by Experience (EbE) Buddy Groups on the Coventry and Warwick Universities Doctorate Course in Clinical Psychology. Background: The Health Care Professional Council Standards of Education and Training requires clinical psychology training programmes to demonstrate evidence of the involvement of service users and carers. The British Psychological Society good practice guidelines for the involvement of service users and carers in clinical psychology training programmes were published by the BPS in 2008. Thus, the involvement of EbE is recommended for all aspects of training of clinical psychologists, however the impact of their involvement outside teaching activities has rarely been evaluated. Methods: A qualitative design was employed given the project's explorative nature. Semi-structured, individual interviews were carried out with six participants recruited through purposive sampling of second year clinical psychology trainees and EbE who participated in the Buddy Groups pilot funded by Education Commissioning for Quality, Health Education. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was utilised for data analysis of the interviews and participants’ reflective notes from the Buddy Group sessions. Findings & Conclusions: Four superordinate themes emerged from the analysis representing the participants’ experiences: ‘Purpose’, ‘Increased understanding and empathy for’, ‘Experience’ and ‘Lived realities’. Findings suggest that the Buddy Group initiative has been well received and enhanced knowledge and understanding; particularly with respect to professional and service issues, provided a forum for Experts by Experience and trainees’ perspectives and equalised power relations.