Recovery-focused care planning and coordination in community (COCAPP) and inpatient (COCAPPA) mental health settings

Care planning and coordination is central to mental health service delivery for people with severe mental illness and should be delivered in collaboration with the service user and be focused on their recovery. The NIHR Health Services and Delivery Research programme commissioned two cross-national comparative mixed methods studies of recovery focused care planning and coordination in community (COCAPP) and inpatient mental health settings (COCAPP-A). The multi-centre research team was led by Professor Alan Simpson.

The COCAPP study involved 20 community mental health teams across six service providers in England and Wales. Methods included a survey of views on recovery, empowerment and therapeutic relationships in service users (n = 448) and recovery in care coordinators (n = 201); embedded case studies involving interviews with service providers, service users and carers (n = 117) and a review of care plans (n = 33). Qualitative data were analysed within and across sites using framework method.

The COCAPPA study involved 19 mental health wards in six service providers in England and Wales. Methods included a survey using standardised measures with service users (n = 301) and staff (n = 290) and embedded case studies involving interviews with staff, service users and carers (n = 76), care plan reviews and documentary analysis. Qualitative data were analysed within and across sites using framework method.

We have published two major reports, seven peer-reviewed papers and presented results at numerous conferences and knowledge exchange events. The studies have influenced national policies and guidance on care planning and coordination.