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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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Open Access 01-06-2019 | Original Paper

Quality of life, recovery and decision-making: a mixed methods study of mental health recovery in social care

Authors: Michael Coffey, Ben Hannigan, Alan Meudell, Mari Jones, Julian Hunt, Deb Fitzsimmons

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Purpose

Mental health care is a complex system that includes social care organisations providing support for people with continuing needs. The relationship over time between decisional conflict, social support, quality of life and recovery outcomes across two time periods for people experiencing mental health problems in receipt of social care was investigated.

Methods

This is a mixed methods study comprised of a quantitative survey at two time points using measures of decisional conflict, social support, recovery and quality of life in a random sample (n = 122) using social care services in Wales, UK. In addition, 16 qualitative case studies were developed from data collected from individuals, a supportive other and a care worker (n = 41) to investigate trajectories of care. Survey responses were statistically analysed using SPSS and case study data were thematically analysed.

Results

Participants reported increasing decisional conflict and decreasing social support, recovery and quality of life over the two time points. Linear regression indicated that higher recovery scores predict better quality of life ratings and as ratings for social support decline this is associated with lower quality of life. Correlational analysis indicated that lower decisional conflict is associated with higher quality of life. Thematic analysis indicated that ‘connectedness and recovery’ is a product of ‘navigating the system of care’ and the experience of ‘choice and involvement’ achieved by individuals seeking help.

Conclusions

These results indicate that quality of life for people experiencing mental health difficulties is positively associated with social support and recovery and negatively associated with decisional delay.

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Title: Quality of life, recovery and decision-making: a mixed methods study of mental health recovery in social care
Authors: Michael Coffey
Ben Hannigan
Alan Meudell
Mari Jones
Julian Hunt
Deb Fitzsimmons
Publication date: 01-06-2019
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1635-6

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Quality of life, recovery and decision-making: a mixed methods study of mental health recovery in social care

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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