Recovery can have different meanings, depending on the context. A recent study explored the perceptions of nursing students about the recovery of persons with mental illness (PwMI). 

Based on convenience sampling and their willingness, the study included 460 undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate nursing students from 85 colleges of nursing in India who came for Psychiatric Nursing clinical experience in a tertiary care psychiatric institute. The students received a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire to complete.

The study found 86.5% of the students to be females and 77.6% to be UGs. Among them, 4% described a family history of mental illness. 54.1% of the students reported taking care of PwMI. 

The results showed that 76.1% of the students had used the term ′recovery′ in the psychiatric setting. 90.4% agreed that early detection of mental illness helps in recovery, and 91.1% agreed that the patient′s self-confidence could be increased by keeping him/her busy and engaging in meaningful activities. However, nearly 70% agreed that isolating patients with mental illness from family/friends/support groups can be a barrier to recovery. 

The study describes the perception of nursing students on recovery from mental illness. It can help improve the perception of the recovery of PwMI and the need to educate the public on mental illness.

Source:  Gandhi S, Sahu M. Perception of nursing students on recovery of persons with mental illness. Indian J ContNsgEdn 2021;22:64-9