Post by Denise on Dec 13, 2004 21:30:36 GMT
Rehabilitation or recovery?
(Royal College of Psychiatrsits, page 9-10 CR121 2004) The evolution of the concept of rehabilitation can be traced through the way it has been defined by those writing on this topic over the past decades.‘The process whereby a disabled person is enabled to use their residual abilities to function effectively in as normal a social situation as possible’ (Bennett, 1978).‘Psychiatric rehabilitation addresses this dynamic adaptation and attempts to maximise functioning, while at the same time acknowledging the possibility of relatively fixed disabilities and the necessity of providing supportive environments’ (Shepherd, 1995).‘To enhance personal autonomy and enable the individual to adopt an appropriate social role and lead as fulfilling a life as possible’ (Babiker, 1987).‘Maximising quality of life’ (Sullivan et al, 1992).The concept of rehabilitation in psychiatric services recognises the importanceof quality of life, and the enabling of an individual’s capacity. There is an emphasis on adaptation to live as normal a life as possible, regardless of disability, while at the same time recognising that the long-term disabilities associated with mental health problems fluctuate. There is a recognition that rehabilitation is about long-term – indeed a life-long – commitment to working with individuals. It is not about transient service delivery. Although the new generation of antipsychotic drugs and the reawakened interest in psychological approaches adds a comprehensiveness to service delivery, this must go hand in hand with the acknowledgement that it is not possible to ameliorate all disability. Respectful acceptance is part of the task, without loss of optimism for individual growth and the potential for recovery. Recovery is an active process through which the service user travels to adapt to living with disability. The professional works with service users to share an understanding of their life story (and often their family story) and helps them to draw upon the resources and skills available in rehabilitation services.Fundamental to this process is work with individuals and their families and carers, to instil and maintain hope.‘Recovery is an internal, ongoing process requiring adaptation and coping skills, promoted by social supports, empowerment and some form of spirituality or philosophy’ (Campbell, 1997).‘Recovery is a first-person concept, “I have a problem, but with help I can grow beyond it”’(Cliff Prior, speech on 1 June 1999).There is now an emphasis on the shared partnership between service usersand service providers, the same philosophy that underpins the National Service Framework for Mental Health for Adults of Working Age. The relevant NationalService Framework principles are:
•social inclusion•user involvement•carer involvement•partnership between stakeholders•evidence-based practice•meeting agreed standards.
(Royal College of Psychiatrsits, page 9-10 CR121 2004) The evolution of the concept of rehabilitation can be traced through the way it has been defined by those writing on this topic over the past decades.‘The process whereby a disabled person is enabled to use their residual abilities to function effectively in as normal a social situation as possible’ (Bennett, 1978).‘Psychiatric rehabilitation addresses this dynamic adaptation and attempts to maximise functioning, while at the same time acknowledging the possibility of relatively fixed disabilities and the necessity of providing supportive environments’ (Shepherd, 1995).‘To enhance personal autonomy and enable the individual to adopt an appropriate social role and lead as fulfilling a life as possible’ (Babiker, 1987).‘Maximising quality of life’ (Sullivan et al, 1992).The concept of rehabilitation in psychiatric services recognises the importanceof quality of life, and the enabling of an individual’s capacity. There is an emphasis on adaptation to live as normal a life as possible, regardless of disability, while at the same time recognising that the long-term disabilities associated with mental health problems fluctuate. There is a recognition that rehabilitation is about long-term – indeed a life-long – commitment to working with individuals. It is not about transient service delivery. Although the new generation of antipsychotic drugs and the reawakened interest in psychological approaches adds a comprehensiveness to service delivery, this must go hand in hand with the acknowledgement that it is not possible to ameliorate all disability. Respectful acceptance is part of the task, without loss of optimism for individual growth and the potential for recovery. Recovery is an active process through which the service user travels to adapt to living with disability. The professional works with service users to share an understanding of their life story (and often their family story) and helps them to draw upon the resources and skills available in rehabilitation services.Fundamental to this process is work with individuals and their families and carers, to instil and maintain hope.‘Recovery is an internal, ongoing process requiring adaptation and coping skills, promoted by social supports, empowerment and some form of spirituality or philosophy’ (Campbell, 1997).‘Recovery is a first-person concept, “I have a problem, but with help I can grow beyond it”’(Cliff Prior, speech on 1 June 1999).There is now an emphasis on the shared partnership between service usersand service providers, the same philosophy that underpins the National Service Framework for Mental Health for Adults of Working Age. The relevant NationalService Framework principles are:
•social inclusion•user involvement•carer involvement•partnership between stakeholders•evidence-based practice•meeting agreed standards.