Showing posts with label Recovery_Colleges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recovery_Colleges. Show all posts

Thursday, 22 August 2019

Survey identifying commonality across international Recovery Colleges

an article by Toni King (Solent NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK; ImROC, Nottingham, UK) and Sara Meddings (Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Worthing, UK; ImROC, Nottingham, UK) published in Mental Health and Social Inclusion Volume 23 Issue 3 (2019)

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a preliminary outline of the international presence, commonality and differences between Recovery Colleges.

Design/methodology/approach
This study used a short e-mailed survey to create a map of Recovery Colleges internationally and review Recovery Colleges outside the UK. Questions gathered descriptive and qualitative data to gain an overview of the mode of delivery and aspects respondents felt were noteworthy.

Findings
This paper identifies Recovery Colleges in 22 countries in five continents (including the UK). Participants described wide variance in their context. Despite adaptations, the operational models and inherent principles of each were closely aligned to those developed in the UK.

Originality/value
This paper provides the first baseline of Recovery Colleges on an international scale. It provides evidence of a high degree of commonality despite variance in setting and highlights the internationally valued transformational power of this model.


Monday, 5 March 2018

Why make the effort? Exploring recovery college engagement

an article by Leanne Harper, (Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, UK) and Mick McKeown, (University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK) published in Mental Health and Social Inclusion Volume 22 Issue 1 (2018)

Abstract

Purpose
Whilst there is growing evidence to suggest that the recovery college (RC) environment supports students towards their mental health recovery (Meddings et al., 2015b), students’ initial motivations for engagement, alongside factors that may hinder or support attendance, have yet to be exclusively explored. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
All new RC students were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview three months following their enrolment. Four participants completed an interview which were later analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings
Four themes emerged within analysis: making the effort; being “too unwell”; friendly environment; and glad I came. These are discussed alongside the literature, and it is proposed that whilst there is a substantial struggle involved in engagement with a RC, likely related to mental health and social factors, the RC environment, peer support and support of the tutors helps students to overcome the impact of this.

Research limitations/implications
Due to the small sample size and exploratory stance of this study, additional research into the complexities around engagement with RCs is strongly recommended. Only students who had attended at least one RC course chose to participate in this study, therefore an under-researched population of non-attendees may provide a valuable contribution to further understanding.

Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to qualitatively explore factors which may support, or hinder, initial and ongoing engagement with a RC. It is proposed that a greater understanding of these important issues could be used to increase RC accessibility and inclusion.


Thursday, 8 February 2018

Recovery Colleges – safe, stimulating and empowering

an article by Laurie Windsor (Devon Partnership NHS Trust, UK),  Glenn Roberts (Devon, UK) and Paul Dieppe (University of Exeter Medical School, UK) published in Mental Health and Social Inclusion Volume 21 Issue 5 (2017)

Abstract

Purpose
Recovery Colleges could deliver many of the defined key outcomes within the Cross Governmental Mental Health Outcomes Framework “no health without mental health” (Department of Health, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to critically appraise the existing evidence of recovery educational programmes in mental health and gain a deeper understanding of the processes and outcomes involved.

Design/methodology/approach
A broad search strategy looking at recovery educational programmes in mental health was used. The data were gathered from two focus groups each containing five people, one with facilitators and one with students. Thematic analysis was used, following the six stages, recursive process recommended by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Findings
The main processes described in recovery programmes were co-production and education. The main outcomes were that recovery programmes led to a reduction in the use of health services, increased opportunities for future employment and a positive impact on staff. The process themes that appeared to emerge were the College ethos and principles, co-production, safety, empowerment and stimulation. The outcome themes that appeared to emerge included increased confidence, motivation and social interaction.

Originality/value
Recovery Colleges appear to benefit both facilitators and students by co-production of a safe, stimulating environment which empowers them: participating in the college benefits facilitators as well as students. This paper is of value to those interested in recovery and education within mental health.