Development of the REFOCUS intervention to increase mental health team support for personal recovery. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slade, Mike; Bird, Victoria; Boutillier, Clair Le; Farkas, Marianne; Grey, Barbara; Larsen, John; Leamy, Mary; Oades, Lindsay; Williams, Julie
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 207:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 544
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.155978
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: There is an emerging evidence base about best practice in supporting recovery. This is usually framed in relation to general principles, and specific pro-recovery interventions are lacking. Aims: To develop a theoretically based and empirically defensible new pro-recovery manualised intervention – called the REFOCUS intervention. Method: Seven systematic and two narrative reviews were undertaken. Identified evidence gaps were addressed in three qualitative studies. The findings were synthesised to produce the REFOCUS intervention, manual and model. Results: The REFOCUS intervention comprises two components: recovery-promoting relationships and working practices. Approaches to supporting relationships comprise coaching skills training for staff, developing a shared team understanding of recovery, exploring staff values, a Partnership Project with people who use the service and raising patient expectations. Working practices comprise the following: understanding values and treatment preferences; assessing strengths; and supporting goal-striving. The REFOCUS model describes the causal pathway from the REFOCUS intervention to improved recovery. Conclusions: The REFOCUS intervention is an empirically supported pro-recovery intervention for use in mental health services. It will be evaluated in a multisite cluster randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN02507940).