The language we use: The effect of writing mental health care plans in the first person

Abstract

Objective: This study describes the impact of Motivational Aftercare Planning (MAP) – an intervention to increase consumer/clinician collaboration on the content of mental health recovery plans. The intervention focussed on enhancing existing discharge processes in psychiatric inpatient wards and supporting nursing staff in using motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate the completion of these plans.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative thematic content analysis of the recovery plans completed throughout the study (n = 110). Chi-squared tests were then used to compare the occurrence of themes and content identified in recovery plans pre and post the intervention (n = 55).

Results: The thematic content of the recovery plans shifted in focus following the intervention, with a change from third to first person language. Those completed prior to the intervention generally mentioned: decreasing symptoms of mental illness; acceptance of the illness; achieving clinical stability; risk management and treatment compliance. The recovery plans completed after the intervention focussed on: general wellness; participate in meaningful activities; community life; social roles and connections with others.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a simple time-limited, facilitated intervention resulted in a change of thematic content in recovery plans. The use of these plans and its effect on care planning will need further evaluation.