Stakeholder’s perceptions of needs, abilities, and quality of life of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-10-2017 9:00 AM
End Date
12-10-2017 12:00 PM
Description
This study is the second of a three-part inquiry into the perceptions of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and those of the staff who provide services tothem, regarding the clients’ skills,abilities, quality of life, identity, and understanding of recovery.
Recommended Citation
Whaley, M. M., Pandya, A., Hoffman, S., & Hayes, M. (2017), Stakeholder’s perceptions of needs, abilities, and quality of life of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, Presentation, Third Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/third/events/1
Stakeholder’s perceptions of needs, abilities, and quality of life of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness
This study is the second of a three-part inquiry into the perceptions of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI), and those of the staff who provide services tothem, regarding the clients’ skills,abilities, quality of life, identity, and understanding of recovery.
Comments
Method: The study used a qualitative, phenomenological methodology. The population of interest were adults with SPMI, and the sampling frame came from a residential program for individuals with mental illness in Central Florida. Clients were recruited based on staff observation that they met the inclusion criteria. Staff were recruited through flyers posted at the facility. Clients were invited to participate if they were English-speaking adults, able to give consent, and stable on their medication as identified by the staff. Staff were invited to participate if they were English-speaking adults, employed at the same residential facility as the clients, and engaged in direct client services.
Data Collection and Analysis: Data were collected through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews conducted over a period of four weeks. Questions for the interviews were derived from the literature, and theprincipal investigator’s experience.Interviews were transcribed verbatim, data were coded and grouped into categories, and content analysis used to identify emerging themes. Analyst triangulation ensured the validity of the results, helped identify blind spots, and have a richer understanding of the data.
Results: Study sample N=32; 19 female and 6 male clients; 7 female staff. Content analysis revealed four emerging themes: The Essence of Recovery (Becoming) - addressing clients’ and staff’s view and understanding ofrecovery, facilitators, and obstacles,; Do You See What I See? – addressing the divergent perceptions of clients and staff;Can’t get There From Here – addressing the limitations in programming, activities, and community re-entry due to reduced funding and resources; Doing, Being, Belonging – addressing the value of occupations, friendships, spirituality, and social support systems in promoting personal vs illness identity. Discussion: Results of this study are congruent with the qualitative research literature, and with results of the previous study at a Clubhouse facility in Central Florida. Barriers to recovery outnumbered facilitators, and both staff and clients identified contextual barriers to services. Clients also identified personal factors such as physical illness, loss, and self- doubt as barriers to recovery.