4284.1: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - Table 2

Abstract #14110

Mental health recovery from the perspectives of consumer/survivors

Douglas H. Dornan, MS1, Chip J. Felton, MSW1, and Sharon E. Carpinello, RN, PhD2. (1) Bureau of Performance and Outcomes Management, New York Office of Mental Health, 44 Holland Ave., 6th Fl, Albany, NY 12229, (518) 474-6439, coevdhd@omh.state.ny.us, (2) Executive Deputy Commissioner, New York State Office of Mental Health, 44 Holland Ave., 8th Fl, Albany, NY 12229

Summary findings will be presented of a qualitative research investigation of mental health consumer/survivors perspectives on recovery, based on a review of qualitative, quantitative and clinical research; autobiographical narratives; published self-reports; and an experiential synthesis of the recovery/empowerment promoting literature of peer (consumer/survivor) authors. Participants in this presentation will be provided:  Eight dynamic dimensions of recovery comprising a qualitative data basis for new quality assessment measures and procedures and the enhancement of existing public state/local performance management systems;  A working public health definition of mental health recovery;  A public health model of Pathways to Mental Health Recovery;  An alternative conceptual approach to the service-centric medical model of treating mental illness, with particular focus on the outcomes of mental health self-help activities; Implications for public managed mental health care reform, the necessity of multi-systems collaboration with generic formal and natural support systems of care, and for a mixed methodology research agenda on recovery—will be summarized. A central theme of the session will be the greatly untapped potential of a mutually respecting partnership of equals, between state and local policy-makers and consumer/survivors, in a broad participatory process prerequisite to the actual not virtual reorientation of mental health services toward recovery. Acknowledgement will be explicit that the recovery movement originated among psychiatric survivors and much wisdom and expertise can be gained in partnership with consumer/survivors.

Learning Objectives: 1. Eight dynamic dimensions of mental health recovery comprising a qualitative data basis for new quality assessment measures, procedures and enhancement of existing state/local performance management systems; 2. A working public health definition of mental health recovery; 3. A public health model of pathways to mental health recovery; 4. An alternative conceptual approach to the service-centric medical model of treating mental illness, with particular focus on the outcomes of mental health self-help activities; 5. Implications for public managed mental health care reform, the necessity of multi-systems collaboration with gereric formal and natural support systems of care, and for a mixed methodology research agenda on recovery--will be summarized

Keywords: Mental Health, Consumer Direction

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York State Office of Mental Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA