title: Service providers' experiences and perspectives on recovery-oriented mental health system reform.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  With the use of a qualitative approach, this study focuses on service providers' experiences and perspectives on recovery-oriented reform.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine focus groups were conducted with a sample of 68 service providers recruited from three Canadian sites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three major themes were identified: 1) positive attitudes towards recovery-oriented reform; 2) skepticism towards recovery-oriented reform; and 3) challenges associated with implementing recovery-oriented practice. These challenges pertained to conceptual uncertainty and consistency around the meanings of recovery; application of recovery-oriented practice with certain populations and in certain contexts; bureaucratization of recovery-oriented tools; limited leadership support; and, societal stigma and social exclusion of persons with mental illnesses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings point towards challenges that might arise as system planners move ahead in their efforts toward implementing recovery within the mental health system. In this regard, we offer several recommendations for the planning of organizational and educational practices that support the implementation of recovery-oriented practice.
authors.affiliation: Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Canada. myra.piat@douglas.mcgill.ca
authors.forename: Myra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piat
authors.forename: Shalini
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D018166:Health Care Reform; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research