The effectiveness of the recovery workbook as a psychoeducation intervention for facilitating recovery in persons with serious mental illness

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the effectiveness of the modified Recovery Workbook as a psychoeducational tool for facilitating recovery in persons with serious mental illness was examined. Methods: The study was a multi-center, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 33 people receiving Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services participated in the study. For 12 weeks, a control group continued receiving their usual treatment as determined by the ACT team, and an intervention group received the Recovery Workbook training in addition to the normal standard of care from the ACT team. Groups were compared using t-tests for continuous measures and chi-squared analyses with correction for continuity of dichotomous measures, as appropriate. The overall effects of the Recovery Workbook Training on individuals’ perceived level of hope, empowerment, knowledge, and quality of life were measured using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Team (PCCC-MHS/Frontenac) and group (experimental/control) were the between-subject factors, and time of testing (initial, final) was the within subject factor. Results: Participation in the Recovery Workbook was associated with significant change in participants’ perceived sense of hope, empowerment, and goal and success orientation. These associations remained significant when commensurate demographic variables were controlled for. Conclusions: This study is the first randomized controlled trial of a recovery-based psychoeducational intervention in persons with serious mental illness, and opens a new chapter of evidence-based practice for implementing recovery in mental health service delivery.