[How do practitioners supporting carers implement recovery-oriented practices? An overview of interventions within CAP member associations in Quebec]

Objectives Conducted as part of a program evaluation carried out in collaboration with the Confédération des Associations de Proches en santé mentale du Québec (CAP), this study aimed to document the intervention practices implemented by practitioners working with carers of people living with mental illness to assess how these practices align with a recovery-oriented practice framework. Method Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners working in one of the 52 associations affiliated with CAP. These interviews were based on case vignettes representing different intervention contexts. The data were analyzed using a three-step descriptive qualitative analysis approach. Results The analysis identified fourteen themes illustrating the practices implemented to support carers. Reported interventions included psychosocial support, access to information, carers' education and training, respite activities, peer support, intersectoral collaboration, and mental health awareness initiatives. These practices support both carers' well-being and self-determination, while also strengthening their capacity to support the recovery of the person living with a mental health condition. Discussion The findings of this study provide a detailed overview of the interventions offered to carers through a recovery-oriented lens within the community-based context in Quebec. They highlight the important role of organizations supporting carers in the delivery of care and services that promote recovery. The article also proposes an expansion of the Triangle of Care model by incorporating practitioners working with carers to form a "Square of Care," thereby fostering close collaboration among individuals living with a mental disorder, carers, health professionals, and practitioners supporting caregivers.