Development of a personal recovery questionnaire for older adults with bipolar: a qualitative integrated knowledge translation approach

OBJECTIVES: To report on the development and refinement of a questionnaire of personal recovery for use by older adults with bipolar disorder. DESIGN: An integrated knowledge translation approach was used to structure collaboration of individuals with clinical, research and service users. Focus groups, online meetings and online feedback were used to support information sharing. PARTICIPANTS: Knowledge users from across the UK including older adults with experience of bipolar, clinicians and academics. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: A final draft of the Bipolar Recovery Questionnaire for Older Adults with bipolar (BRQ-OA). RESULTS: Five service users and 15 stakeholders engaged with the study. The views and recommendations of the groups were integrated into the development of the BRQ-OA across four phases. Service users identified factors of personal recovery they felt had changed with ageing, including the impact of physical health and the importance of finding a purpose following changes to role. Collaboration with key stakeholders allowed for the development of a personal recovery questionnaire relevant to the experiences of older adults. CONCLUSIONS: An integrated knowledge translation approach successfully structured engagement with key stakeholders to allow for active and meaningful engagement. Collaboration of individuals with experience of bipolar, clinicians and academics allowed for the development of the first questionnaire of personal recovery specifically adapted for older adults with bipolar. Future research is needed to validate the BRQ-OA in older adult samples so that it can be used in mental health services and intervention studies.