Davy Dries
Ghent University, Belgium
Title: Investigating ways to aid recovery in mental health illness
Biography
Biography: Davy Dries
Abstract
Background: The reason behind this small scale research idea are the current funding cuts within mental health services instigated by some states in Belgium. This may have an effect on the availability of day activity services. It raises the question if this lack of services has an effect on the recovery process of mental health patients. Clinical and community relevance in regard to day activities has been a long-time supporting strategy in caring for people with a mental illness, either in a hospital or community setting. Participating in activities outside of home can stimulate community participation and promote empowerment.
Objectives: In the recovery of people with a mental health illness, the purpose of this research is to investigate if they can contribute this achievement as a whole or part to their involvement in organised day activities?
Methods: A semi-structured qualitative design is the methodology selected for this study. This enables to explore a participant’s experience participating in day activities as part of their recovery process. This approach is useful when there is limited information about the investigated phenomena. Qualitative research is multi-method in focus, involving an interpretive, naturalistic approach to its subject matter. This means that the study issues in their natural area (day activity centre).
Results: The results will be generated through the use of databases like PubMed, and journals like the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. Multiple searches can be used with a variety of key words (day activity, recovery, serious mental illness). The research is conducted by interviews with the support of a pre-designed questionnaire. The interviews are there to encourage participants to speak openly but structured about their experiences, feelings, or attitudes.
Conclusions: The researcher’s aim is to generate more questions in relation to a user’s search for recovery, and therefor aiming for more investigations.