Promoting recovery via an integrated model of care to deliver a bed-based, mental health prevention and recovery centre.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted in order to explore the experience of care and outcomes for people entering a bed-based step-up/step-down Prevention and Recovery Centre (PARC).

METHODS: An audit of files for PARC participants in 2010 collected demographic (age, gender, and marital, housing, employment and education/training status) and clinical measures (length of stay, entry and exit outcome measures, psychiatric hospital use). Participants were also invited to a feedback group to discuss their PARC experience.

RESULTS: In 2010, 118 people entered PARC. Most were single and unemployed and 35% were in temporary housing or homeless. In the six months following PARC exit, participants spent significantly less time in psychiatric hospital than in the six months prior to entry (p<0.001). Significant reductions in clinician-rated difficulties were documented at exit (p<0.001). For 40 episodes of care with self-report measures at entry and exit, significant reductions in difficulties with relating to self/others (p=0.004), daily living/role functioning (p=0.006), and depression/anxiety (p=0.019) were seen. Twelve participants attended a feedback group. Positive aspects of PARC included: supportive and caring staff; help with practical issues or community access; therapeutic activities and learning about health; and socialization opportunities.

CONCLUSIONS: A step-up/step-down PARC can facilitate recovery for people with mental illness through promoting independence and illness self-management.