Measuring the Recovery Orientation of Assertive Community Treatment

Abstract

Background Approaches to measuring recovery orientation are needed, particularly for programs that may struggle with implementing recovery-oriented treatment. Objective A mixed methods comparative study was conducted to explore effective approaches to measuring recovery orientation of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. Design Two ACT teams exhibiting high and low recovery orientation were compared using surveys, treatment plan ratings, diaries of treatment visits, and team-leader-reported treatment control mechanisms. Results The recovery-oriented team differed on one survey measure (higher expectations for consumer recovery), treatment planning (greater consumer involvement and goal-directed content), and use of control mechanisms (less use of representative payee, agency-held lease, daily medication delivery, and family involvement). Staff and consumer diaries showed the most consistent differences (e.g., conveying hope and choice) and were the least susceptible to observer bias, but had the lowest response rates. Conclusions Several practices differentiate recovery orientation on ACT teams, and a mixed-methods assessment approach is feasible.

Recovery concept in a Norwegian setting to be examined by the assertive community treatment model and mixed methods

“…Medication is part of the treatment in the ACT model, in addition to conversational therapy (Salyers et al . ). Medication is not without side effects, and it affects the everyday lives of the ACT service users.…”

“…There has been a demand for more recovery‐based practice within the framework of the ACT model since the turn of the millennium (Salyers & Tsemberis ; Salyers et al . , ). In a recovery‐oriented practice, it is important that service users experience recovery that involves a relationship of equality between them and the clinician, in order to give them an opportunity to set their own goals.…”