The National Mental Health Experience Survey is the first national survey asking people about their recent experiences of inpatient mental health care in Ireland.
The survey aims to learn from people’s experiences of inpatient mental health care and services in order to improve the care provided in these settings.
The National Care Experience Programme (NCEP) is running the survey. The NCEP is implementing the survey on behalf of the Department of Health, the Mental Health Commission and the Health Service Executive.
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.
To develop the survey, we conducted 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. This was followed by a Delphi study, cognitive testing and piloting of the final survey instrument.
Contact the survey team here.
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.
A few months after discharge from an inpatient mental health unit or hospital, eligible participants will receive an invitation by post to participate in the survey.
The survey closes in Autumn 2026.
The results are then analysed and the reports are prepared for publication in April 2027.
The responses from the survey will provide important information on the standard of services to help us identify where improvements are necessary.
A few months after discharge from an inpatient mental health unit or hospital, eligible participants will receive an invitation by post to participate in the survey.
The survey closes in Autumn 2026.
The results are then analysed and the reports are prepared for publication in April 2027.
The responses from the survey will provide important information on the standard of services to help us identify where improvements are necessary.