Creating a Space for Recovery Oriented Organisational Culture: An Action Research Study

Abstract

Aim: The focus of this study was to explore how the use of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) framework through an action research process might support an organisation to become more recovery-orientated. This was conducted through an insider action research project, using an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and a Participatory Action Research (PAR) method.

Outcome: This research process resulted in the development of a new organisational strategy for embedding recovery theory into a mental health service. It was found that for WRAP education to be of value for an organisation moving towards a recovery-orientation, there is a need for WRAP to be used within an organisational change theory framework embedded in a participatory action research process. Engaging stakeholders in this strategy led to several changes towards a recovery orientation on an individual, group, and organisational level. Through this, it emerged that co-production plays a critical role in the development of a recovery-oriented service by creating a democratic process that gives all stakeholders a voice, enabling interlevel dynamic change. Due to stakeholders engaging in this strategy for change, leadership, practitioners, service users and family members all had the opportunity to experience co-production and subsequently find ways to model the principle of co-production in their leadership, therapeutic practice, and how they engaged with and used mental health services.