How can we make the Recovery Approach work?

Image retrieved September 5th from http://www.cultureofrecovery.org/?page_id=16
This is an interesting website about 'building a culture of recovery' - check it out for some more information!

Despite identifying these issues about the use of the recovery approach in an acute inpatient mental health ward, I personally do believe there is scope for it to be applied.

In time, there is significant potential for the Recovery Approach to be applied effectively in this setting, which is a vision expressed in the document entitled, Our lives in 2014 (Mental Health Commission, 2004). For this to happen, mental health workers, including OT's would require further education about the Recovery Approach. In particular, mental health aides would need to be educated as they currently do not require any training before employment (Cowan, 2008). All staff would need to put a lot of effort into resolving the issues explored in this blog.

In order for acute mental health wards to adopt this approach effectively, they would have to adapt to the principles of the Recovery Approach and clients would need to be given more trust and freedom of choice.

Mental health workers would need to become very familiar with the Recovery Competencies that the government has outlined (in the document previously referred to - Recovery Competencies for New Zealand Mental Health Workers).

It is also noted that until the Recovery Approach can be used effectively as the sole approach there is significant potential for it to be used in conjunction with other models. By working in an eclectic manner all staff can ensure they cover all aspects of a client’s life.

In the author’s opinion, occupational therapists could use models such as the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance and the Model of Human Occupation to complement their use of the Recovery Approach. In addition, the Maori health model, Te Whare Tapa Wha could also be used. This model also ensures a holistic approach is used for the client.

Do you have any other ideas about how to make the Recovery Approach work in this environment? I would love to hear about your ideas, or what you currently do in your own practice.
Thank you!