A mixed methods study of recovery among individuals in an early psychosis program: implications for psychiatric/mental health nurses
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2011
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Abstract
Full recovery from a first episode of psychosis is a primary goal of early intervention services. This mixed methods study explored both recovery outcomes and recovery experiences in one cohort of individuals (n = 260) who received treatment in a three-year early psychosis program in Eastern Canada. Its primary purpose was to increase knowledge of recovery through the development of both the objective, mental health system view of the clinical indicators important to an individual's recovery as well as the subjective, lived experience of the phenomenon provided by the recovery descriptions of a small number of participants (n = 6). Survival analysis methods were used to measure the cohort's rate and timing of recovery following a first episode of psychosis using two different recovery measures. The first measure, 'comprehensive recovery', included three recovery domains: 1) symptom remission; 2) adequate daily functioning; and, 3) quality of life. The second measure, termed 'partial recovery', contained two of the three recovery domains: 1) symptom remission; and, 2) adequate daily functioning. The large majority of the cohort (n - 174) was successful in reaching 'partial recovery' but experienced ongoing difficulty and frequent setbacks with issues related to quality of life. The phenomenologically derived general structure of recovery following a first episode of psychosis provided insight into quality of life issues. Clients and family members identified many ongoing and often personal challenges that had to be overcome to support recovery. The backward and forward rhythm of recovery was frustrating and created instability. Illness symptoms and medication side effects fluctuated but were ever present. Self-confidence was frequently undermined by the negative beliefs that individuals held about themselves and the illness. The results highlighted areas where the involvement and interventions of nurses could have valuable benefit for clients and families.
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Bibliography: p. 230-266
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Citation
Maddigan, W. J. (2011). A mixed methods study of recovery among individuals in an early psychosis program: implications for psychiatric/mental health nurses (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/4444