Integrating recovery-oriented practice into psychiatric registrar training

Objective: This paper describes a new initiative in training for psychiatry trainees in the 'recovery' paradigm. Conclusions: Supporting patients in their personal recovery and promoting wellbeing has become a key principle in the delivery of specialist mental health services. This requires psychiatrists to develop (or perhaps return to) a worldview that promotes a hopeful stance and acknowledges the importance of relationships when working with people experiencing mental ill health. In 2011, the authors developed and trialed training about personal recovery and wellbeing within psychiatry. A crucial factor was that the training was delivered by a person who has expertise both as a result of their own recovery journey and their experience in peer support work. The feedback from participants has supported further national and international developments and there are plans to extend this component of the program.