Let’s talk about recovery in mental health: an international Delphi study of experts by experience

Abstract

Aims: The concept of recovery is featured in the strategic plans of the World Health Organization as well as in other national mental health plans; however, there have been differing interpretations of what it means. This article aims to achieve a consensus on the key aspects of recovery in mental health from the perspective of movements of users and survivors of psychiatry at an international level. Four specific objectives were proposed in this study: (1) to identify what recovery in mental health means, (2) to identify the indicators that a person is progressing in their recovery, (3) to determine the factors that facilitate the recovery process, and (4) to determine the factors that hinder the recovery process. Methods: A three-round e-Delphi study was conducted with the participation of 101 users and survivors of psychiatry, adhering to the CREDES checklist to ensure methodological rigour. Results: The results reveal 26 key aspects that define recovery, 31 indicating that a person is progressing in their recovery process, 8 that facilitate recovery and 12 that hinder recovery. The most agreed-upon statements for defining recovery highlight the importance of empowerment, leading a fulfilling life, ensuring safe-living conditions and acknowledging individuals as holders of rights. Similarly, empowerment and agency were highly agreed upon as relevant recovery indicators. Key findings underscore the significance of a supportive and respectful social environment in facilitating recovery, while coercion, discrimination and lack of support from significant others hinder recovery. Conclusions: Despite cultural differences and recovery’s subjective nature, our results demonstrate that an international consensus on critical recovery aspects is attainable. Highlighting a significant shift, we emphasize the ‘Transition’ process to signify moving away from the biomedical model approach and advocating for collective rights. Our findings advocate for empowerment, users’ rights and the move towards person-centred care that integrates social, political and economic contexts. These consensus statements lay the groundwork for future research across diverse regions and cultures, offering insights into recovery’s meaning and potential for innovative approaches in diagnosis, intervention and evaluation.