Using Recovery-Oriented Principles to Improve Consumer Empowerment in a State Psychiatric Hospital

Abstract

The culture of state psychiatric hospitals may make it difficult to implement recovery-oriented principles such as empowerment. The current study describes efforts of one hospital to empower consumers of psychiatric hospital services using focus groups, surveys, and a workgroup to address the issue of low program attendance. The study determined the importance of identifying consumer goals, informing consumers about options for therapeutic group programming, and matching consumer goals to treatment. Identifying these items led to development of a consumer catalog designed to allow consumers of psychiatric hospital services to choose programs that aligned with their goals while also meeting staff needs to address problem areas on a treatment plan. Limitations to the current approach and direction for future research are discussed. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(5), 40-45.].

The Acceptability of a Recovery Group Intervention in Acute Inpatient Mental Health Wards

“…The 'recovery movement' in mental health focuses on the idea that recovery from severe mental illness is possible, and that a meaningful and fulfilling life can be achieved, despite on going mental health symptoms (Davidson, 2016). Key elements of this movement are empowerment (Bartholomew et al, 2018), person centred care, and a strengthsbased approach (Mckenna et al, 2014). The movement also puts an emphasis on peer support (Repper et al, 2011), which is defined as 'support from those who have experienced similar adversity' (Davidson et al, 2006).…”

“…The movement also puts an emphasis on peer support (Repper et al, 2011), which is defined as 'support from those who have experienced similar adversity' (Davidson et al, 2006). However, it has been noted that mental health hospitals do not always lend themselves to the principles of recovery, specifically empowerment, due to their reliance on the medical model and the fact that patient on acute wards generally have a certain level of control, choice, and power taken away during an admission (Bartholomew et al, 2018;Mckenna et al, 2014;Wood et al, 2019).…”