The Recovery Mindset: Psychosocial Rehabilitation Education for Psychiatric Residents With Peer Specialists as Coeducators

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the impact of a targeted educational intervention on psychiatric residents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), as well as peer support referral rates. METHODS: This quality improvement project used the plan-do-study-act framework to deliver five didactic sessions on PSR and peer support over 1 academic year, including two sessions co-led by certified peer specialists. Pre- and postintervention surveys captured changes in residents' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Referral data were obtained from administrative records for equivalent 2-month periods before and after the intervention. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in referral rates. RESULTS: Peer support referrals increased from 6% to 19% (χ²=17.63, N=484, df=1, p<0.001). Resident-reported referrals increased from 9% to 60%. Confidence discussing PSR increased from 48% to 76%. CONCLUSIONS: A brief educational intervention incorporating peer specialist collaboration improved residents' referral practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward recovery-oriented care.