Group Decision Making in an Intersectoral Mental Health Community Partnership

Abstract

Background: In a major Canadian jurisdiction that includes several regions, an intersectoral working group with community partners was formed to enable change in systems and policies for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness. The top priority of the working group was housing. Purpose: The study explored how the working group members experienced decision-making power in their efforts to enable change in housing policies. Method: The research used a qualitative single-case design to study the decision-making processes as experienced by the group members. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, two focus groups and review of key public documents. The data were analysed using the constant comparative method, with critical reflection on group decision making and the contextual influences of system-level policies. Group members contributed to the analysis. Findings: Amid positive experiences of working together, group members experienced challenges related to power differentials between service providers, government personnel and consumers, and the impact of the systemic environment on the group processes. Implications: Implications are raised for occupational therapy education and practice, and for studying group decision making as an occupation.