Using the Recovery Knowledge Inventory Scale (RKI) to Assess Nurses' Knowledge of a Recovery-Oriented Mental Health Care Approach: Findings from a Developing Country

Recovery-oriented mental health services are being implemented in various countries. However, to implement recovery-oriented mental health care, it is crucial for healthcare workers to understand it first. Therefore, the aim was to assess nurses' knowledge of a recovery-oriented mental health care approach using the recovery knowledge inventory scale (RKI).

The study utilized a cross-sectional quantitative design and 152 nurses consented to participate in the study. The RKI was used to collect data from four mental health facilities across Botswana. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Cronbach's alpha was used to test the reliability of the variables used in the study.

The sample included 81 (53.3%) female and 71 (46.7%) male nurses. The RKI was valid at Cronbach’s alpha 0.6. Most respondents (97%) agreed with the nonlinearity of recovery, while 84.9% strongly agreed or agreed that recovery from mental illness could be achieved by following a set of procedures.

The results indicated that after validity and reliability tests were conducted, and with some adjustments, the RKI was valid and reliable for assessing nurses’ knowledge of a recovery-oriented mental health care approach in Botswana. Although its reliability was average at Cronbach's alpha of 0.6, it offered insight into how respondents perceived recovery. Overall, nurses in this study lacked orientation to recovery-oriented services.

There was a clear lack of knowledge of the recovery approach among the respondents. This study underscores the need for targeted training to improve nurses' understanding of recovery-oriented practices.