Introduction
Psychiatric rehabilitation can provide and support recoveryâoriented care by assisting individuals living with severe mental illness to lead full lives. Despite a wellâestablished evidenceâbase, implementation and access to these interventions in clinical practice for people with severe mental illness in the AsiaâPacific region is low. We therefore aimed to evaluate prominent themes impacting on clinical practice, policy, and the implementation of psychiatric rehabilitation across the AsiaâPacific region.
Methods
A comprehensive review of relevant literature on psychiatric rehabilitation of three regions within the AsiaâPacific was conducted using a structured search of PubMed and other databases. Eligible articles were selected which focussed on how psychiatric rehabilitation is defined and implemented across the AsiaâPacific region, as well as the associated successes and challenges. Common themes were generated.
Results
Six themes emerged: the impact of policy, legislation, and human rights; access difficulties; the important role of family; the significance of culture, religion, and spiritual beliefs; the widespread impact of stigma; and the indigenous models of excellence being developed.
Discussion
Consideration of the six themes and their implications should help raise awareness of the issues involved in the provision of psychiatric rehabilitation in the AsiaâPacific region and may improve outcomes for people living with severe mental illness. Suggested strategies include: developing a shared understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation; establishing quality legislation that's well implemented; adapting evidenceâbased models to develop culturally appropriate services; implementing stigma reduction and empowermentâbased interventions; and, ensuring coordinated action among all stakeholders, combined with effective leadership.