Staff Perspectives on the Meaning of Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Care and its Implementation in Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) Services in Victoria

Recovery orientation is a vital feature of contemporary mental health models of care such as Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) services. Despite the importance of PARC services in providing a recovery-oriented alternative to a stay in hospital for mental health consumers in Victoria, Australia, there are limited studies exploring the views of staff about these services. This study was part of a larger body of work that investigated the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of PARC services across Victoria. As part of the qualitative component of this mixed-methods study, the aim for this project was to explore the perceptions of staff around the meaning of recovery-oriented care and how it is implemented through PARC services. We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary staff who worked in 19 PARC services across Victoria. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken guided by Braun and Clarke's approach. Participants' responses were organised around themes related to staff interpretations of the meaning and implementation of recovery-oriented mental health care within the context of PARC services. Recovery-oriented care was framed by staff as non-clinical, non-linear, subjective, person-centred, about seeking meaning and fulfilment, identity building and being holistic. Staff described the role of PARC services in contributing to recovery through providing structure and routine, offering opportunities to build relationships, develop skills and offer choice and autonomy.