A Pilot to Enhance the Recovery Orientation of Assertive Community Treatment Through Peer-Provided Illness Management and Recovery

Abstract

Assertive community treatment (ACT) is widely regarded as an evidence-based practice (Bond, Drake, Mueser, & Latimer, 2001); however, observers have questioned the recovery orientation of the model. As an organizational model of service delivery, the recovery orientation of ACT can be improved through the integration of other, more clinically defined evidence-based practices. We present findings from an uncontrolled, 9-month pilot study in which a peer specialist was trained to provide illness management and recovery (IMR) on a well-established ACT team. This pilot included both quantitative measures of knowledge and recovery beliefs, and a qualitative interview with consumers (N = 14) and providers (N = 16). Consumer perceptions of recovery significantly improved, and there was a trend toward increased knowledge. In interviews, consumers and staff reported many benefits of IMR, including an increase in consumers' trying new things, being involved in more meaningful activities, and greater hope (for consumers and staff). The integration of IMR onto ACT with a peer specialist shows promise as a useful way to improve consumer recovery outcomes and increase the recovery orientation of ACT.

Keywords:

• Assertive community treatment
• Evidence-based practice
• Illness management and recovery
• Implementation

This study was funded by a grant from Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Governor's Commission on Home and Community-Based Care to Support Systems Change.