Knowledge and attitudes of Irish Mental Health Professionals to the concept of recovery from mental illness – five years later

Introduction A study of Irish mental health practitioners (Cleary & Dowling ) identified the need to improve knowledge and attitudes towards recovery. This led to the Advancing Recovery in Ireland Project (ARI) which promoted recovery-orientated services and a need to 'benchmark' progress. There is little evidence regarding the types of educational interventions that maintain positive recovery knowledge and attitudes in providers. Aim The study assessed current knowledge and attitudes to recovery. Methods The methodology of Cleary & Dowling () was replicated. A survey was administered to practitioners (n = 337) using the adapted Recovery Knowledge Inventory (RKI) (Cleary & Dowling ). Results No significant differences were found in recovery scores compared to Cleary & Dowling () or by level of experience. Working in dual settings, being a non-nurse, and training was associated with better recovery scores. Significantly more respondents had received training in recovery (40% versus 23%) compared to Cleary & Dowling (). Training appears to be the strongest factor predicting better recovery knowledge. Conclusions There is considerable scope to improve recovery knowledge. Key recommendations include the need for more recovery training, using 'Recovery Champions', introducing peer support workers and developing local policies and protocols to support recovery working.