Objective During the last two decades research has put forth recovery as an important focus for mental health nursing. These studies describe different aspects of recovery, and without doubt they have contributed to the recovery movement in mental health care. The present study aims at synthesizing research findings in order to promote understanding of recovery as a phenomenon.
Methods Qualitative research focusing recovery provided data for the synthesis. The synthesis is based on Noblit & Hare’s description of meta ethnography, and focus is put on synthesising findings from different qualitative methods. The focus of the presentation will be put on the method and how metaphors can be used as means to synthesize and communicate research findings.
Results Findings in the form of metaphors describing the process of recovery, and how recovery is experienced, will be used in order to illuminate the method.
Conclusion Recovery could metaphorically be described as a process towards reclaiming life, a journey from experiences of being list to feeling at home with oneself. Metaphors is concluded a fruitful tool to describe and communicate this process.