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Needs of Individuals Recovering from a First-Episode of Mental Illness: A Qualitative Descriptive Analysis of Focus Group Discussions.

Authors :
Davies, Ellen L.
Pelentsov, Lemuel J.
Hooper, Kenneth J.
Gordon, Andrea L.
Esterman, Adrian J.
Source :
Issues in Mental Health Nursing. Sep2019, Vol. 40 Issue 9, p737-746. 10p.
Publication Year :
2019

Abstract

A broad array of needs often arise for individuals when significant physical or mental illness occurs. The aim of this study was to investigate the needs experienced by individuals recovering from a first-episode of mental illness, to explore how these needs have been assessed and to gauge the acceptability of participating in formal, systematic needs assessments in the future. Fifteen individuals who had presented to a tertiary mental health service within the previous 3 years, and who were considered to be recovering from a first-episode of mental illness discussed their current and previous needs in small focus groups. A qualitative descriptive methodology was adopted to analyse data. Three themes incorporating the broad range of inter-related and often complex needs were identified as being: the need for safety, stability and security; the need to be understood and to understand and; the need for support networks and services. Participants reported a lack of involvement in discussions with mental health clinicians regarding their needs, and were in favour of participating in formal, systematic needs assessments in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01612840
Volume :
40
Issue :
9
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
138159407
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2019.1609637