Objectives: The study explored women's perceptions of their recovery process and what recovery means to them in order to gain a better understanding of the predictors of recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN).Method: The data were analysed usingInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Semi-structured telephone interviews were carried out with fifteen women who received a diagnosis of AN and defined themselves as recovered/in recovery. The women were recruited from beat. Results:The women described their experiences in terms of four broad areas; being anorexic; dissatisfaction with treatment; process of change; and being recovered. Whilst anorexic, women experienced a series of dichotomies. In particular, they described splits between mind and body, AN behaviour and cognitions and rational and irrational side. Recovery occurred when the above dichotomies became resolved. Conclusion:Recovery occurs only when an individual becomes "whole" again, which is a lengthy psychological process. Therefore, it is also essential that therapy is not discontinued after patients reach their target weight.

In order to justify the use of limited resources there is an increasing demand to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions within the health service. Despite this, the literature indicates that designing and implementing effective evaluations is difficult and often poorly done. Further, clinicians’ negative perceptions of research may discourage evaluation, resulting in practice that is primarily based on clinical intuition. The current article describes the rationale behind the development of a pilot evaluation strategy for an informal inpatient and carer stroke support group. It is concluded that appropriate evaluation should be determined by the purpose and nature of the intervention under examination as well the persons involved. Furthermore, it is suggested that valuable feedback regarding clinical practice need not involve time-consuming and complex evaluation.