Developing a service user designed tool for the assessment of student mental health nurses in practice: a collaborative process.

In this article we describe and critically analyse the process of developing an assessment tool designed by users of mental health services to assess student nurses in practice. The developmental process raised a number of complex and unexpected issues. The findings suggest that rather than "assess" student nurses in practice, service users should have a role in reviewing student's practice. Whilst there was a consensus amongst stake-holders that engaging in this feedback process is beneficial to both the student and service user, it is the manner in which it is sought which requires further investigation. 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.