Measures of personal recovery: A systematic review

Vicki Shanks, Julie Williams, Mary Leamy, Victoria J. Bird, Clair Le Boutillier, Mike Slade*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

201 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective

Mental health systems internationally have adopted a goal of supporting recovery. Measurement of the experience of recovery is, therefore, a priority. The aim of this review was to identify and analyze recovery measures in relation to their fit with recovery and their psychometric adequacy.

Methods

A systematic search of six data sources for articles, Web-based material, and conference presentations related to measurement of recovery was conducted by using a defined search strategy. Results were filtered by title and by abstract (by two raters in the case of abstracts), and the remaining papers were reviewed to identify any suitable measures of recovery. Measures were then evaluated for their fit with the recovery processes identified in the CHIME framework (connectedness, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment) and for demonstration of nine predefined psychometric properties.

Results

Thirteen measures of personal recovery were identified from 336 abstracts and 35 articles. The Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) was published most, and the Questionnaire About the Process of Recovery (QPR) was the only measure to have all items map to the CHIME framework. No measure demonstrated all nine psychometric properties. The Stages of Recovery Instrument demonstrated the most psychometric properties (N=6), followed by the Maryland Assessment of Recovery (N=5), and the QPR and the RAS (N=4). Criterion validity, responsiveness, and feasibility were particularly underinvestigated properties.

Conclusions

No recovery measure can currently be unequivocally recommended, although the QPR most closely maps to the CHIME framework of recovery and the RAS is most widely published.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)974-980
Number of pages7
JournalPsychiatric Services
Volume64
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2013
Externally publishedYes

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