What does recovery mean to a forensic mental health patient? A systematic review and narrative synthesis of the qualitative literature. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Clarke, C.; Lumbard, D.; Sambrook, S.; Kerr, K.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic psychiatry & psychology. Volume 27:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 54
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Recovery -- secure care -- literature review; Forensic psychiatry -- Periodicals; Forensic psychology -- Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1080/14789949.2015.1102311
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-9949

Abstract

Abstract: This is a systematic review and narrative synthesis of qualitative literature for forensic mental health patients' perceptions of recovery. Relevant databases were searched and a total of 11 studies that fit the inclusion criteria were identified. Thematic Synthesis was applied to synthesise the collated themes into six superordinate themes: connectedness, sense of self, coming to terms with the past, freedom, hope and health and intervention. Two superordinate themes were particularly prevalent: connectedness and a sense of self. It is argued that a focus on increasing opportunities for forensic mental health patients to develop a sense of self and connectedness could help improve recovery. Future recommendations to expand on these findings include using grounded theory methods to develop theoretical understanding of the data.