The Imroc Methodology

Background and Challenges 

The Imroc initiative was developed to address the challenges faced by mental health organisations in embedding recovery-focused practices into their services. Recovery is about people with mental health problems living meaningful lives, and the principles of recovery have gained international recognition. Despite this, there were no established methodologies to shift organisational cultures towards recovery-oriented practices.  

Development of the Methodology 

The methodology emerged from a series of workshops held in five NHS trusts, attended by over 300 health and social care professionals, managers, service users, and carers. These workshops identified ten key organisational challenges that need to be addressed to develop recovery-oriented services: 

10 Key organisational challenges 

1. Changing the nature of day-to-day interactions and the quality of experience 

2. Delivering comprehensive, user-led education and training programmes 

3. Establishing a ‘Recovery Education Unit’ to drive the programmes forward 

4. Ensuring organisational commitment, creating the ‘culture’. The importance of leadership 

5. Increasing ‘personalisation’ and choice 

6. Changing the way we approach risk assessment and management 

7. Redefining user involvement 

8. Transforming the workforce 

9. Supporting staff in their recovery journey 

10. Increasing opportunities for building a life ‘beyond illness’

Implementation and Impact 

The Imroc methodology was applied across various NHS trusts with notable success. It involved a two-phase process of self-assessment and collaborative planning with local stakeholders. This iterative cycle of planning, doing, studying, and acting helped ensure continuous improvement and adaptation. 

Achievements 

1. Cultural Transformation: Significant shifts in organisational culture, with many trusts moving from engagement to development and transformation stages. 

2. User Involvement: Increased involvement of service users in training, planning, and delivering services, leading to more user-centred care. 

3. Workforce Development: Successful integration of peer specialists into the workforce, providing unique insights and support based on lived experience. 

4. Enhanced Training Programs: Establishment of Recovery Education Centres providing comprehensive, user-led training for staff and service users. 

5. Improved Risk Management: Adoption of positive risk-taking approaches, balancing safety with empowerment.   

Conclusion 

The Imroc methodology has provided a robust framework for transforming mental health services towards a more recovery-oriented approach. By addressing the ten key organisational challenges, it has helped numerous organisations create environments that support meaningful recovery for individuals with mental health problems. 

For more detailed information, you can access the full methodology document