Challenges in Adopting Recovery-oriented Practices in Specialized Mental Health Care: “How Far Should Self-Determination Go; Should One be Allowed to Perish?”

Abstract

Mental health services need to transform from a primary focus on symptom reduction to a recovery-oriented delivery. Research on recovery-oriented practices is mainly based in community mental health settings, while research on specialized mental health care remains scarce. In this article, we aim to identify and explore the experiences faced by professionals working in specialized mental health care units that aim to be recovery-oriented. Data were collected during seven focus group interviews with 45 professionals from four psychiatric hospitals and district psychiatric centers in Norway. We used reflexive thematic analysis to interpret the data. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) disease-oriented structures, (b) negotiating roles and (c) risk management. This study identified the many tensions professionals face as they try to shift specialized mental health care toward a recovery-oriented paradigm. Specifically, professionals must balance managing risks and promoting self-determination. To succeed, it is not sufficient to implement practices that are characterized as recovery-oriented without also changing existing systems, structures, and frameworks. We suggest approaching recovery orientation through shared decision-making. This could contribute to the promotion of self-determination and increased inpatient safety in specialized mental health care.