Setting Level Characteristics in Consumer-Run Organizations that Enhance Member Outcomes

Abstract

Setting level characteristics associated with consumer-run organizations (CROs) were examined to determine which were related to positive outcomes among 250 participants in 20 CROs. An interview was conducted with participants to gauge their perception of setting level characteristics and personal outcomes of services. The results indicated the setting level characteristics of organizational climate and sense of community were related to improved outcomes of services. The setting level characteristics and perceived improvement of member outcomes indicates a relationship between a person’s perception of their environment and a person’s perception of their own improvement over time. These results support the continued focus on organizational capacity building, encouraging participation, and increasing social support as critical features of CROs. Consumer-run organizations (CROs) are recognized as a critical component to the mental health system and are more widely dispersed than community mental health centers (Goldstrom et al., 2006). Previous research has emphasized the