Impact of Consumer-Run Hospital Diversion Program on Recovery, Social Involvement, and Life Satisfaction: A Mixed Methodological Study

Studies that evaluate the impact of peer run hospital diversion programs on consumers who experience an acute psychiatric episode, are lacking. In 2009 the authors compared the impact of peer run hospital diversion and traditional acute hospital services on consumers ‘recovery and long term quality of life. This study provided empirical support for peer-run program's positive impact on client recovery. Building on the original study, a larger convenience sample of mental health consumers were surveyed to compare attitudes about services, care, and treatment they received at a peer-run diversion program and inpatient acute psychiatric hospital. Respondents rated the quality and type of services they received, discussed the impact of these services on their recovery, and life satisfaction. The Quality of Life Index (QAL) and additional measures, developed by the researcher,showed good reliability. Face to face interviews were also conducted, to provide a qualitative measure. The findings were compared with those of the initial study. The results of this descriptive field study provide a greater understanding of consumers ‘perception of effective treatment, provide a reliable assessment of qualities unique to consumer run programs, and explicate factors that enhance recovery and life satisfaction. The use of survey and qualitative measures strengthen the study's design, and provide a road map for future replication. Recommendations will be made to those who provide or develop consumer programs, practitioners, and policymakers.