``Getting People Back Into the Community'': Forensic Mental Health Nurses' Perceptions and Experiences of the Recovery Model Within a High-Secure Hospital

Abstract

Background: The implementation of the recovery model into forensic mental health care promotes hope and has important implications for inpatients' community reintegration.

Aim: This study aimed to describe forensic mental health nurses' perceptions and experiences of providing care using the recovery model within a high-secure forensic hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Methods: Twenty-seven forensic mental health nurses were interviewed regarding their perceptions and experiences of providing recovery-oriented care within a high-secure forensic hospital.

Results: The participants described an individualized approach to recovery, both in the goals developed and in the level of support they required. There was an overarching shared goal across the participant group, which was focused on supporting patients to reintegrate back into the community. Inadequate resources (both internal and external), the severity of patient psychopathology, legal constraints, and the nursing role within the broader treating team were all perceived to present challenges to utilizing the recovery model within a high-secure forensic hospital.

Implications for clinical forensic nursing practice: To fully realize the potential of the recovery model, a system-wide reconceptualization is necessary.