Evidence-based Recovery Colleges: developing a typology based on organisational characteristics, fidelity and funding

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Recovery Colleges (RCs) are established across England, yet exhibit significant variations in their organizational structures.
• Understanding these variations is crucial for optimizing service delivery and student outcomes within mental health support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Recovery Colleges in England by their organizational and student demographics, fidelity levels, and financial expenditures.
• To develop a typology of RCs based on these identified characteristics.
• To investigate the correlation between RC characteristics and their fidelity to core principles.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to managers of all eligible RCs in England, assessing organizational traits, fidelity, and budgets.
• Hierarchical cluster analysis was employed to group RCs and establish a distinct typology.
• Inclusion criteria focused on recovery orientation, coproduction, and adult learning principles.

Main Results:

• Data from 63 out of 88 RCs indicated high overall fidelity (median 11/13).
• NHS-funded and strengths-focused RCs demonstrated higher fidelity.
• The median annual budget per RC was £200,000, with significant variation in cost per student and course.

Conclusions:

• Despite high fidelity, distinct characteristics allow for the creation of an RC typology, aiding in the interpretation of student outcomes.
• This typology is valuable for commissioning decisions and understanding how student outcomes are achieved.
• Staffing and course co-production are primary cost drivers, with RCs representing less than 1% of NHS mental health spending.