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. 2023 May 20;20(10):5894.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20105894.

Consumer Views and Experiences of Secondary-Care Services Following REFOCUS-PULSAR Staff Recovery-Oriented Practices Training

Michelle Kehoe  1   2 , Ellie Fossey  1 , Vrinda Edan  3 , Lisa Chaffey  1 , Lisa Brophy  4   5 , Penelope June Weller  6 , Frances Shawyer  7 , Graham Meadows  5   7   8   9   10
Affiliations

Consumer Views and Experiences of Secondary-Care Services Following REFOCUS-PULSAR Staff Recovery-Oriented Practices Training

Michelle Kehoe et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: The use of recovery-oriented practice (ROP) can be challenging to implement in mental health services. This qualitative sub-study of the Principles Unite Local Services Assisting Recovery (PULSAR) project explored how consumers perceive their recovery following community mental health staff undertaking specific ROP training.

Methods: Using a qualitative participatory methodology, 21 consumers (aged 18-63 years) participated in one-on-one interviews. A thematic analysis was applied.

Results: Four main themes were extracted: (1) connection, (2) supportive relationships, (3) a better life, and (4) barriers. Connections to community and professional staff were important to support consumers in their recovery journey. Many consumers were seeking and striving towards a better life that was personal and individual to each of them, and how they made meaning around the idea of a better life. Barriers to recovery primarily focused on a lack of choice. A minor theme of 'uncertainty' suggested that consumers struggled to identify what their recovered future might entail.

Conclusion: Despite staff undertaking the ROP training, all participants struggled to identify language and aspects of recovery in their interaction with the service, suggesting a need for staff to promote open, collaborative conversations around recovery. A specifically targeted recovery resource might facilitate such conversation.

Keywords: community mental health care; consumers; mental health recovery; personal recovery; recovery-oriented practices.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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