About the survey

The National Mental Health Experience Survey is currently being developed and will be the first national survey of its kind in Ireland.

The purpose of the survey is to learn from people’s experiences of inpatient mental health care and services in order to improve the care provided in these settings.

The findings of this national survey will drive service improvements for inpatient mental health care, and will be used to inform regulation, national policies and standards.

The survey is being developed in collaboration with the Mental Health Commission. Under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission has responsibility for monitoring and regulating mental health services in Ireland.

International review

An international review of mental health experiences surveys was carried out to identify and analyse international best practice with regard to the models and methodologies employed to deliver a national survey of the experiences of those who have received mental health care.

Survey model development

To develop the survey, we conduct focus groups with people with experience of using mental health services as well as healthcare professionals, support organisations, representatives of special interest groups, regulation and policy-makers, to identify key topics. Followed by a Delphi study, cognitive testing and piloting of the final survey instrument.

Any questions about the National Mental Health Experience Survey?

Contact the survey team here.

Support services

If you or someone you know needs any additional support or information about mental health and wellbeing please see here.
If you need urgent help, please find details here.