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Research

• Recovery Oriented Practice: A recovery-based approach to direct services in mental health.

• Empirical Qualitative Study: A recovery-based approach to using psychiatric medications

Recovery Oriented Practice: A recovery-based approach to direct services in mental health

The President’s New Freedom Commission has called for a transformation of mental health systems to a recovery orientation. In order to make such a transformation, the mental health workforce must be re-trained in recovery- oriented competences. In other words, the principles of recovery – choice, self-determination and empowerment – must be translated into the every day practice of staff working in case management, homeless outreach, dual diagnosis services, and residential/supported housing services.

For the last twelve years Pat Deegan has worked with direct service staff from around the country, developing this practical approach to supporting client recovery. Return to this site soon to learn more about this exciting research.

Empirical Qualitative Study: A recovery-based approach to using psychiatric medications

Pat Deegan is currently working on a qualitative research project exploring what a recovery-based approach to using psychiatric medications would look like. She has interviewed a diverse group of people who have used, or are using, psychiatric medications, and has analyzed 30 of the interviews. She is organizing her findings into a videotaped training for consumers, mental health professionals and medical staff. This research is being done with funding from the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare.

Abstract
Recovery principles are freely applied to most service areas, such as case management, supported employment, supported education and so on. However, recovery principles and practice are rarely applied to the realm of psychiatric medications. In most treatment settings, recovery principles such as client choice and self-determination are ignored and traditional outcomes, such as compliance and obedience to medical authority, are valued. What would a recovery-based approach to using psychiatric medications look like? How would clients learn to use - and not just simply “take” – medications as part of the recovery process? How would the practice of psychiatrists and nurse practitioners change if they adopted recovery principles of partnership and shared decision-making with clients during medication appointments? How would the attitudes and practice of direct service staff (who often accompany clients to medication appointments and make recommendations) change if a recovery-based approach were used?