Public Psychiatrists' Reports of Their Own Recovery-Oriented Practices

OBJECTIVE: Alumni of Columbia University's Public Psychiatry Fellowship were surveyed to assess their use of recovery-oriented practices. METHODS: A de novo survey designed specifically for psychiatrists was developed on the basis of prior measures and theories of recovery. A total of 144 graduates completed the survey. RESULTS: Fellowship alumni reported using a variety of practices consistent with a recovery orientation, including asking about patients' social support systems and life goals. To varying degrees, alumni endorsed a belief in the viability of leverage practices. A regression analysis revealed that recovery-oriented practices were associated with awareness of recovery concepts and less authoritarian medication management. CONCLUSIONS: Although some recovery-oriented practices were used infrequently (for example, facilitating peer advocacy), a number of important practices were endorsed at relatively high levels. The association of recovery-oriented practices with awareness of recovery concepts suggests that education and advocacy may promote such practices.