Measuring the later stages of the recovery journey: insights gained from clubhouse members.

The Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) is a frequently used measure of recovery from mental illness but has previously been shown to poorly differentiate between more recovered consumers. This research aimed to: (1) identify components of later recovery stages; (2) ascertain the extent to which these are measured in the RAS; and (3) suggest modifications to improve the ability of the RAS to differentiate between more recovered consumers. Clubhouse members who scored high on the RAS participated in focus groups in which they discussed areas of recovery most recently or yet to be achieved. Constant comparative analysis of data indicated that later stages of recovery are characterized by: (a) accepting your illness and gaining control over symptoms (b) self love and optimism, (c) doing things for and experiencing pleasure, (d) contributing through meaningful activity, (e) having a diversity of friendships, (f) being needed and valued by others and (g) coming to terms with family relationships. Results suggest the RAS would be improved by addition of items, particularly in functional and social recovery domains.

Participation of mental health consumers in research: training addressed and reliability assessed.

INTRODUCTION: A call for active inclusion of consumers in research; recognising and valuing the knowledge that arises through lived experience, is made in the literature. However, genuine inclusion of consumers as members of the research team remains rare. Opponents present two barriers: lack of required knowledge and skills and lack of capacity to conduct rigorous research. METHODS: This study involved a collaborative process to develop training materials for consumer researchers. Reliability of self-report outcome data collected by five trained consumers was then examined. RESULTS: Quantitative results suggest that trained consumers can facilitate self-report interviews to the high standard expected by the general research community. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides both methods and resources to extend occupational therapy consumer-centred practice into the realm of research.