Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS): Its feasibility and outcome measurement capacity

OBJECTIVE: A self-report instrument of mental health recovery is needed both to facilitate collaborative, recovery-oriented practice and measure recovery-focused outcomes. The Recovery Assessment Scale – Domains and Stages (RAS-DS) has been developed to simultaneously fulfill these goals. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and measurement properties of the RAS-DS. METHOD: Feasibility was examined by 58 consumer-staff pairs volunteering from 3 non-government organisations. Consumers completed the RAS-DS, discussed it with staff, and then both completed Usefulness Questionnaires. The psychometric properties were examined using Rasch analysis with the data from these consumer participants and from additional participants recruited from two Partners in Recovery programs (N=324). RESULTS: Over 70% of consumers reported taking 15 minutes or less to complete the RAS-DS and rated the instrument as easy or very easy to use. Qualitative data from both consumers and staff indicated that, for most, the RAS-DS was an easy to use, meaningful resource that facilitated shared understandings and collaborative goal setting. However, for a very small number of consumers, the instrument was too confronting and hard to use. Rasch analysis demonstrated evidence for excellent internal reliability and validity. Raw scores were highly correlated with Rasch-generated overall scores and thus no transformation is required, easing use for clinicians. Preliminary evidence for sensitivity to change was demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide evidence of the feasibility and psychometric strengths of the RAS-DS. Although further research is required, the RAS-DS shows promise as a potential addition to the national suite of routine outcome measures.