Table 1 Qualitative analysis of clinical staff’s responses to a questionnaire on defining goals of treatment and recovery
Theme | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Personalization | Recovery is a highly personal process that is shaped by the patient’s goals, story and views. Therefore, the treatment goals are dependent on the needs and goals of the patient. A situation is pursued in which professional care is no longer needed and the patient returns to his usual environment and position before illness | “The patient’s request, what he/she requires to function to his/her own needs…” “In this respect it is always necessary to look at the patient’s position before his illness, what he/she aims to accomplish, and which other factors are hindering, respectively facilitating the patient.” |
Symptom reduction | Treatment goals include reduction of symptoms, encompassing both psychiatric and somatic complaints. This reduction ranges from complete remission to mere stabilization in the acute phase of the illness. The recovery process is hard work and sometimes involves an initial aggravation (e.g., side effects). The aim is that the symptoms are diminished in a way that the patient is not restricted by them anymore (e.g., in daily functioning), or that the patient can function on his previous level again | “Supporting patients in their recovery by treatment of psychiatric illness or symptoms.” “Reduction or recovery of symptoms.” “…as symptom-free as possible…” “Recovery to the level of premorbid functioning and reduction of symptoms to premorbid” |
General well-being | Another treatment goal is to raise general well-being and quality of life. The treatment stimulates that the patient gains insight into his illness and learns to cope with it and the vulnerability that remains when the symptoms are reduced. A new balance is established between the patient’s capacities and the burden of the illness. This gives room for positive experiences, joy and a regained purpose in life | “Improvement of quality of life.” “Feeling like living and being able to experience life satisfaction again.” “Regaining a purpose and a balance between the patient’s capacities and the burden of the illness.” |
Social functioning | Finally, treatment aims to improve the patient' social and societal functioning. The healthcare professionals try to enhance autonomy and self-sufficiency, so that the patient becomes able to participate in society again. This entails e.g., living independently, engaging in activities that are important to the patient, having a job and meaningful relationships with others | “Treatment of complaints, that give severe hinder in daily life, of the patient so that the patient is able to gradually resume his/her life and participate in society again.” “Recovery of healthy functioning on life domains like work, relationships, living and spare time.” |