Measuring recovery in participants with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder: validation of the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC)

Abstract

Background: To improve recovery in mental health, validated instruments are needed.

Aims: This study evaluates psychometric properties of the Individual Recovery Outcomes Counter (I.ROC) in a Dutch population of participants with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD).

Methods: 326 participants completed the I.ROC at baseline (n = 326), six months (n = 155) and twelve months (n = 84) as part of a routine outcome assessment. Reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, and internal factor structure were examined.

Results: Participants evaluated the I.ROC as comprehensive. Internal consistency of the I.ROC (α = 0.88) and test-retest reliability (r = .85, p < .001) are good. Negative moderate correlations with the total score of the PANSS (r=-.50, p < .001) and the HoNOS (r=-.52, p < .001) were found, and a small negative correlation with the FR tool (r=-.36, p < .001). Moderate positive correlation with the MANSA (r = .55, p < .001) and the RAS (r = .60, p < .001) were found. The mean total I.ROC scores increased significantly between time points (F(2,166) = 6.351, p < .005), although differences were small. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that fit indices for the one-, two-, and four-factor model are comparable.

Conclusions: The I.ROC is a valid and reliable instrument, with sensitivity to change, to map recovery in participants with SSD.

Keywords: Flexible assertive community treatment; Psychometric properties; Recovery; Schizophrenia spectrum disorder; Validation.