THE TRANSFORMATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO A RECOVERY-ORIENTATED SYSTEM OF CARE: CANADIAN DECISION MAKER PERSPECTIVES

Background: Recovery is emerging as a worldwide paradigm in mental health. There is increasing recognition that the transformation of mental health systems to a recovery perspective requires collaboration among all stakeholders. Research to date has focused on the perspectives of service users and providers. The role and influence of organizational decision makers in the transformation process has been less studied. Materials: This study reports findings from semi-structured interviews with decision makers on the implementation of recovery in Canada. Discussion: Decision makers view community-based services as most open to recovery-based approaches, and front-line providers as pivotal in implementing system change. Decision makers described their own role as limited to providing overall orientation and funding. Conclusions: The shift to recovery must include active leadership from decision makers as a catalyst to change.