[Recovery-oriented thinking reflected in intake reports]

To emphasize recovery from the very start of treatment, the recovery-oriented intake (ROI) was developed in Dutch mental health care. This approach places additional focus on the personal domain, alongside the usual attention to biological, psychological, and social factors. The question is whether this translates into intake documentation.

To compare ROI with intake as usual (IAU) regarding attention to abovementioned domains of mental health, the degree of integration into a case formulation, and the quality and focus of treatment goals.

In a retrospective file study, 60 intake reports (30 ROI, 30 IAU) were assessed using validated scales for level of detail per domain, integration of information, and quality of treatment goals.

ROI and IAU reports contained a similar level of detail for biological, psychological, and social domains. The personal domain appeared more often in ROI, though usually in isolation. Contrary to expectations, integration was rated higher in ROI. The quality of treatment goals did not differ significantly, but ROI goals more often addressed personal growth and symptoms (26,7% vs 6,7%), whereas IAU goals were more often limited to symptoms (36,7% vs 16,7%).

ROI provides more attention to the personal domain and shows greater integration, without reducing attention to other domains. Strengths are often mentioned in isolation, and social goals remain limited.