An investment in knowledge, FHR's Second Rhode Island Regional focus group breaks new ground

Ed Allard and Robin Dazzeo (seated) with Focus Group Members.

Contributed By: Edward C. Allard, Communications Representative

On January 26, 2011, Fellowship Health Resources hosted its second Rhode Island Regional Focus Group, hearing directly from its consumers what they found effective in healing from serious and persistent mental illness. While the first Focus Group, held in September 2010, included eleven consumers and focused on services, this second group of five individuals addressed the more central question: “What matters most to you in helping you live a healthy and satisfying life?”

Initially, moderators presented the participants with a survey relating to the services of a fictional mental health center. Seeking to determine what services mattered most to each individual, the moderators asked the group to rate the services listed on a scale from one to four, with one being least important and four representing most important. The exercise yielded some interesting results. All the participants rated psychiatry, good nursing care, and quality case managers as important. None found “perks” such as pizza parties, in and of themselves, to matter much; however, they agreed they could be beneficial in the context of an information-sharing meeting.

Mindful of Fellowship Health Resources’ clinical approach, the PRISMMODEL for the Effective Treatment of Serious and Persistent Mental Illness, and the importance the model places on consumer choice and consumer values, moderators encouraged those present to delve into the question of what they did indeed value. It came as no surprise that participants valued much the same things that any healthy individual would value, and not just the so-called “perks.” One member said he got the most out of his internet connection and cable television because “it makes me feel connected.” Another reflected that he missed his woodworking and furniture refinishing, not because it ever made money for him, but because it was “fun.” A third member, Glenn, set the tone for the rest of the meeting when describing what he truly valued most. “As I live my life, and have lived my life, all the trials and tribulations, whatever, I look at it like I put knowledge in my bank, and I have that bank with me. I keep the things I learn and the experiences I’ve had, and it is all there.” Glenn spoke of storing up the intangible values of experience, knowledge, and even wisdom. From that point on, the faces and manner of the group took on a more relaxed expression, inclusive of the moderators. As one of them, I was struck by the fact that the values and experiences of the group members led them to strongly support a more clinical model of care (all five rated a good psychiatrist highest on the survey). They also placed emphasis on practical things, like access to a kitchen, a warm bed, and a nearby grocery store.

Often, in our society, stigma dictates that consumers are somehow lazy or slothful, system-users, people in it for a free lunch. This is clearly not the case. As Focus Group Moderator, it was illuminating to witness a coherent group of sensible people spelling out what they thought was important to good mental health. The responses generated were in keeping with what most professionals would identify as valuable mental health attributes.  No one at the meeting wanted, or expected, a free lunch. However, all present acknowledged the need for ongoing support with life’s challenges such as mental illness and drug dependency.

Members of the second Focus Group clearly depicted Fellowship Health Resources’ consumers as a group of people imbued with a good sense of what is and is not important, a clear grasp of what they need, and a sober understanding of that which has meaning in this life. The group delivered insight and understanding with which to craft better services, while investing in Fellowship Health Resources’ “Bank of Knowledge.”