For years, professionals in both the medical and mental health fields have known that hope aids in the healing and recovery process. Medical researchers have provided evidence to support their claims, but there has been little evidence-based research in the mental health arena.
That is about to change. Recently, researchers have taken a deeper look at hope and its role in recovery in mental illness. Their initial findings are promising, and, well – hopeful. Hope can be taught and practiced. Moreover, it can help people with mental illness participate more fully in their own recovery.
Seizing upon this new research, Westborough State Hospital launched “The Hope Project,” a hospital-wide initiative to instill hope in patients and staff. The Hope Project has taken full advantage of cutting-edge research, assessments and technologies by forging partnerships with the leading researcher and clinicians in the field. We also have created our own protocols and interventions that teach and encourage hopeful behavior. To round out our program, The Hope Project includes training to inspire hopefulness in staff.
The HOPE project programs include:
· Hope Team – Staff from various departments meet regularly to identify how our work environment can be more hopeful to both patients and staff. Recommendations for improvement are discussed and then a course of action is suggested to implement those changes as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
· ACT – ACT (Advocating for Changes Together) is the equivalent of the Hope Team for patients. Here, patient representatives from various units meet weekly with rehab staff, who are also Hope Team members, to discuss how the quality of life at WbSH can be improved. The ACT group seeks ways to help all patients to feel empowered to advocate for their own needs. Patients involved in the ACT group specifically discuss the role of hope and developed the tagline “Hearts Opened to People Everywhere” as their understanding of hope.
· Pass It On – Volunteer opportunities for patients (and staff!) on and off campus. Pass It On is based on current research that indicates that volunteering is good—and hopeful—for one’s health. This program includes educational presentations from various groups such as area food pantries, shelters, etc. so patients learn about various social issues, and how their volunteer efforts help others.
· Assessments and protocols – We have implemented cutting-edge current assessments that measure hopefulness based on the leading hope models. We also have created protocols designed to increase hopefulness while emphasizing patients’ current strengths.
