An exploration of students’ learning experiences in a Recovery College
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of students’ learning experiences in a Recovery College in the UK
IRAS ID
210473
Contact name
Joy Duxbury
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NIHR CLAHC North West Coast
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 17 days
Research summary
Through offering co-production and self-help education within an inclusive and safe environment, Recovery Colleges (RC), as proposed by Perkins et al. (2012), are considered to be a major component of the ‘recovery movement’ in mental health services. Whilst they are in the preliminary stages of research and academic discussion, Recovery Colleges are becoming a growing phenomenon across NHS trusts in the UK. McGregor and colleagues (2014) have noted that ‘something’ about Recovery Colleges ‘works’, however there is need for further research to investigate their more specific elements. Thus, following Meddings et al. (2015) recommendation for research to focus on Recovery Colleges ’key defining features’, this study aims to explore their aspect of education and learning. \n\nUsing a mixed methods design, the study aims to explore new student’s perceptions of, engagement with, and use of the educational component of a recovery college, and if they are related to individual’s perceptions of their mental health ‘recovery’. Participants will complete the Recovery Assessment Scale (Gifford et al., 1995) when they first enrol with the recovery college, and again after a three month period. They will also be asked a series of questions about the college, which will focus on learning experiences and any ‘self-help’ techniques learnt. 10% of participants will also be invited to take part in a semi-structured interview to give a detailed and subjective record of their learning experience and perceived mental health recovery. \n\nAdditionally, as current research into recovery colleges has previously focused on the accounts of students who have attended a number of courses, this research aims to include all students who have enrolled with the college, irrespective of the number of courses completed. It is proposed that in order to obtain robust research into how recovery colleges work, a true representation of students must be included.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0580
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion