title: The steps to recovery program: Evaluation of a group-based intervention for older individuals receiving mental health services.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study reports on the evaluation of a group-based intervention for older individuals receiving mental health services.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective cohort repeated-measure design was used for 48 participants who accessed secondary care mental health services for older people. Changes on the Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWEBS), and a postevaluation questionnaire were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A paired sample t test examined changes in participant's scores on the WEMWEBS and RAS from baseline to postintervention. Participants qualitatively evaluated the Steps to Recovery group as having a positive effect on their recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Following involvement in this group intervention, participants reported improved mental well-being and recovery from mental health difficulty. These results suggest that the program has the potential to provide an accessible framework for developing recovery-orientated approaches in mental health care that can be delivered by care staff at all levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Woodside Resource Centre.
authors.forename: Graeme M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Flaherty-Jones
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Woodside Resource Centre.
authors.forename: Alexandra S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Carne
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health Services for Older People, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Woodside Resource Centre.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dexter-Smith
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*