Development of a recovery manual for suicidal patients with schizophrenia: consumer feedback.

A recovery-oriented manual was developed for patients with schizophrenia and suicidality. It included psychoeducational information, vignettes, "workbook" sections and was reviewed by experts in suicidology, recovery, patient education, manual development and psychosocial interventions. The revised version was tested in 22 consumers with schizophrenia and a history of suicidality. Consumer-based focus groups yielded five key themes which were used to further refine the manual. A satisfaction survey indicated that 85% stated the manual was 'somewhat easy', 'easy' or 'very easy to read.' All stated it was 'very useful', 'useful' or 'somewhat useful. Thus, the manual appears to be acceptable and useful.