P-31

Working towards Illness management and recovery programme 4.0

Introduction

Illness Management and Recovery programme (IMR) is an evidence-based method for people with severe mental illness (SMI). In 2009 a first draft of the Dutch version of IMR was introduced. A few years later, comments were made on the cultural appropriateness and the unbalance between the illness domain and the need for recovery-oriented support.

Objectives

We decided to evaluate the Dutch IMR version in search for issues to improve IMR, in order to provide a first draft of an IMR 4.0 version.

Methods

To provide input for this process, we performed qualitative interviews, focus groups, expert meetings. A thematic synthesis of qualitative studies was conducted to define self-management support needs. At the same time we performed an RCT of an e-health version of IMR. Improvement issues and other dilemmas were discussed with the IMR-founding fathers, Susan Gingerich and Kim Mueser. We formed an alliance for a joint effort towards a new version of IMR. Subsequently a writing group, consisting of a professional writer, two experts by experience, and a master in recovery, implemented the improvements in IMR modules.

Results

In four presentations we'll report: First, the evaluation of IMR provided information cultural appropriateness, language issues, and the unbalance between the illness and recovery domains. Second, the literature review showed that people with SMI have informational, emotional, acknowledgment, encouragement, and guidance support needs; respectively, in order to: make sense of the illness, ease suffering, being validated and recognized, able to execute self-management tasks, and being guided through an unfamiliar or unaware territory. Third, the RCT provided insight into preferences of people with SMI and boundaries of e-health for people with SMI. Fourth, we report about the main issues of changes in IMR.

Conclusions

The IMR 4.0 aims for enhancing and strengthening the balance between the illness management and recovery domains, in order to make sense of illness experiences, give meaning to a life with an SMI and achieve personal recovery goals. For their contribution to this process, we thank Dröes, J.; Färdig, R.; Gingerich, S.; Mueser, K.; Pierik, P.; Schaftenaar, P.; Sterk, T.; Stevelmans, I.