Showing papers in "Occupational Therapy in Mental Health in 2012"
TL;DR: Results were mixed, but the significant improvement in housing stability and goal attainment six months into the study supports the value of continued research on the effects of both direct and consultative occupational therapy intervention on client goal attainment.
Abstract: This one-year study explored the impact of an occupational therapy consultation model on housing status and goal attainment among 57 people with severe mental illness who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. A repeated-measure experimental design was used. Although results were mixed, the significant improvement in housing stability and goal attainment six months into the study supports the value of continued research on the effects of both direct and consultative occupational therapy intervention on client goal attainment.
22 citations
TL;DR: This research suggests that exploration of new models of practice may be beneficial in terms of facilitating successful partnerships and outcomes with clients in mental health settings.
Abstract: This pilot study sought to gather information related to the experience of occupational therapists, using the Kawa Model of practice in a mental health setting. Two therapists utilized the model with one client, each over a six-week period. Through qualitative inquiry, the participants (therapists) revealed that, although initially apprehensive about using a new model, they found that the Kawa Model increased client/therapist interaction and energy levels and challenged them to push the boundaries of therapeutic practice. This research suggests that exploration of new models of practice may be beneficial in terms of facilitating successful partnerships and outcomes with clients in mental health settings.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess the effectiveness of education on the consistency of use of sensory rooms within a large mental health facility, and find statistically significant increases in staff knowledge post-training and increases in the use of the sensory rooms by study participants.
Abstract: In this study, the authors assess the effectiveness of education on the consistency of use of sensory rooms within a large mental health facility. Eleven staff and thirty-six clients received additional multimodal education in sensory strategies, the use of the sensory rooms on their assigned units, and the link between the rooms and clients' personal crisis intervention plans. Staff knowledge and room usage rates were analyzed pre- and post-training. The authors found statistically significant increases in staff knowledge post-training and increases in the use of the sensory rooms by study participants. The results support the effectiveness of training which uses hands-on, population-specific strategies.
16 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of the authors is to explain the need for travel training with people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, describe specific travel training assessments, and define a role for occupational therapy in travelTraining with individuals diagnosed with autism Spectrum Disorders.
Abstract: Symptoms and behaviors of Autism Spectrum Disorders can challenge community mobility, thus hindering independence and participation in occupation. Community mobility, also called travel training, helps people make journeys safely using public transportation, enabling engagement in activities/services otherwise unavailable. Yet, few articles have been written about this topic for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The purpose of the authors in this article is to: (1) explain the need for travel training with people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders; (2) describe specific travel training assessments; (3) review literature on travel training programs; and (4) define a role for occupational therapy in travel training with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
15 citations
TL;DR: For example, the authors explored the experience of boredom in recovery from substance use disorder with eight adults who also have HIV/AIDS and found that boredom is the pervasive perception of nothingness that gives time to reflect.
Abstract: This qualitative dissertation study used grounded theory methods to explore the experience of boredom in recovery from substance use disorder with eight adults who also have HIV/AIDS. Boredom is the pervasive perception of nothingness that gives time to reflect. Boredom was revealed to be more than a seemingly harmless phenomenon that persists decades into recovery, even when meaningful occupation outside of substance use is achieved. Boredom becomes less harmful with the achievement of meaningful occupation, but it is still tenacious and deleterious. Boredom can be useful to an adult with HIV/AIDS, however. Implications for the profession's core value of meaningfulness are discussed.
12 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored the possible relationships among sensory processing styles, possible sensory processing disorders, personality traits, and body mass index and found that the role of temperament and personality styles may play in these relationships.
Abstract: The purpose of the authors in this study is to explore the possible relationships among sensory processing styles, possible sensory processing disorders, personality traits, and body mass index. There is research on the relationship between obesity as defined by body mass index and temperament, and sensory processing and temperament; however, no information could be found on the relationship between body mass index and sensory processing styles, or the role that temperament and personality styles may play in these relationships. The 50 female participants were recruited from the University of New England community. The sample included women between the ages of 19 and 59 years, and of various weights. None of the participants had a history of thyroid problems, diabetes, or any physical disabilities that would limit daily physical activity. None had been diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. All participants filled out two self-reports and a demographic questionnaire. The Adult/Adolescent Sensory Prof...
11 citations
TL;DR: This article explains a six-stage process for conducting a systematic review that can be used by occupational therapists in mental health and identifies gaps in the knowledge base.
Abstract: To shape its work, the Research Centre for Occupation & Mental Health is interested in research priorities. Systematic reviews develop an overview of the research available about an intervention, which can provide evidence to underpin practice. They also however, identify gaps in the knowledge base and so are useful for research-prioritization exercises. A rigorous literature search identified only four systematic reviews about occupational therapy in mental health, which suggests that more are needed to underpin practice. This article also explains a six-stage process for conducting a systematic review that can be used by occupational therapists in mental health.
10 citations
TL;DR: A strong message was that occupational therapists have a central role in providing driving-related services including screening, assessment, and interventions for people with mental illnesses, but comfort in fulfilling this role is limited because of the lack of evidence-based research and validated evaluation tools.
Abstract: The objective of the authors in this study was to qualitatively explore occupational therapists’ role in providing driving-related services to people with mental illnesses. Two focus groups composed of 20 occupational therapists were conducted. The data regarding current and ideal role, barriers, and facilitators for implementing those services were analyzed using inductive analysis. A strong message was that occupational therapists have a central role in providing driving-related services including screening, assessment, and interventions for people with mental illnesses. But, comfort in fulfilling this role is limited because of the lack of evidence-based research and validated evaluation tools. More education and research is recommended.
9 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that adequacy and satisfaction scores could be used by occupational therapists in planning therapeutic interventions to facilitate future performance of occupations seen as important by clients.
Abstract: The purpose of the author in this study was to investigate the test–retest reliability and predictive validity of new occupational performance assessments. The researcher used a test–retest design with mixed quantitative and qualitative methods. The test–retest reliability of the perceived adequacy of engagement in occupations of priority to participants as measured on the assessments was r (15) = .54, p < .05. Perceived test adequacy predicted 27% [B = .517, t = 2.18, R2 = .27, F (1, 13) = 4.75, p = .048] and retest adequacy predicted 67% [B = .820, t = 5.16, R2 = .67, F (1, 13) = 26.61, p = .000] of variability in the retest frequency of engagement in occupations seen as a priority by research participants. Test satisfaction scores predicted 50% of variability in the test frequency of engagement in occupations [B = .707, t = 3.61, R2 = .50, F (1, 13) = 13.01, p = .003]. It was concluded that adequacy and satisfaction scores could be used by occupational therapists in planning therapeutic interventions t...
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative study obtained the viewpoints of four women with spinal cord injury about the meaning of active recreation in their lives, leading to the finding that active recreation contributed to a positive self-concept.
Abstract: This qualitative study obtained the viewpoints of four women with spinal cord injury about the meaning of active recreation in their lives. Using the constant comparison method, common points of view were revealed within the narratives, leading to the finding that active recreation contributed to a positive self-concept. This facilitated the reconstruction of participants' identities as fit, confident, and social women actively engaged in their communities. Since participation in active recreation was found to be important to the self-identity of women who value physical activity, integrating this role into occupational therapy can facilitate the recovery of a desired self.
9 citations
TL;DR: A single case study of the stories told by one occupational therapist about her clients in mental health settings revealed key concepts of the role of the occupational therapist as defined by occupational adaptation theory, along with unique perspectives of occupational therapy inmental health settings.
Abstract: A single case study of the stories told by one occupational therapist about her clients in mental health settings is presented in this article. Qualitative analysis revealed key concepts of the role of the occupational therapist as defined by occupational adaptation theory, along with unique perspectives of occupational therapy in mental health settings. The outcome of this study is a demonstration of the unique insight occupational therapy brings to addressing client recovery in mental health settings, specifically from an occupational adaptation perspective. This insight should enlighten others as to the necessity of skilled occupational therapy in mental health settings.
TL;DR: People served by mental health providers represent diverse cultural groups and their way of participating in the world was often in conflict with cultural values and expectations of the family and counselors.
Abstract: People served by mental health providers represent diverse cultural groups. In-depth qualitative interviews were used to collect data to examine: “How do people, diagnosed with a mental illness, perceive their experience in a partial care mental health program from the perspective of their cultural context?” Four participants described cultural identities that included ethnic, health status, and sexual orientation identities. The participants' way of participating in the world was often in conflict with cultural values and expectations of the family and counselors. Cultural competence must include understanding how complex, multiple cultural contexts interact and influence a person's participation in the therapeutic process.
TL;DR: Teachers and occupational therapy staff's interventions underscore hope and support of students’ long-term goals with the aim of engaging these young people in short-term planned-action, which may be beneficial to this population and warrants further study.
Abstract: In this study the authors highlight the conceived roles of occupational therapists by contrasting them with the conceived roles of teachers in assisting students at risk of academic failure in a continuation high school transition to postsecondary education. From analyzing transcripts of one-on-one semi-structured interviews with five teachers of a continuation high school and with seven occupational therapy staff in a life-skills training program, three themes emerged with relevance to the youths’ transition, which differentiated the teachers from the occupational therapy staff. Both cohorts recognized college as the preferred path to adult roles, but differed in regard to their view of the achievability of the goal for the at-risk youth served. Both cohorts identified the youths’ personal behaviors as impediments to these youth meeting their goals. Teachers emphasized academics and occupational therapy staff emphasized life skills when assisting the young people. Occupational therapy staff’s interventions underscore hope and support of students’ long-term goals with the aim of engaging these
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that use of a mechanical massage chair can significantly reduce self-identified stress levels in persons with serious mental illness.
Abstract: In the present study, the authors evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical massage chair in reducing stress for people with serious and persistent mental illness. This preliminary investigation involves the use of massage therapy for 19 people with serious mental illness, using a standardized massage protocol. Stress levels were assessed using a 7-point Likert scale, administered before and after each treatment session. Self-reported stress was found to be significantly reduced, with participants reporting an average stress reduction of 1.48. This preliminary investigation demonstrates that use of a mechanical massage chair can significantly reduce self-identified stress levels in persons with serious mental illness.
TL;DR: Preliminary evidence is offered that an occupational therapy role-playing intervention that is both client centered and graded can increase targeted social skill use in three adolescents with Asperger's syndrome.
Abstract: The purpose of the authors in this pilot study was to assess the effects of an occupational therapy role-playing intervention for adolescents with Asperger's syndrome. An ABA multiple baseline single-subject design across participants was used with three adolescents to determine if a six-week intervention could increase targeted social behaviors. Data were collected over baseline, intervention, and probe phases. Three methods of analysis were used: visual inspection of graphed data, paired t tests, and a three standard deviation-band approach. Findings demonstrated that all three participants were able to increase the frequency of targeted social skill use from baseline to intervention and maintain this level at a one month probe. Differences between baseline and intervention phases for each participant reached statistical significance. Through this study the authors offer preliminary evidence that an occupational therapy role-playing intervention that is both client centered and graded can increase targe...
TL;DR: A program evaluation was described that assessed mental health providers' perceptions of consumer-providers and four themes emerged, including service delivery, comparisons between consumer-provided and non-consumer staff provided services, perception and opinion of consumers' education and training background, and power dynamics.
Abstract: To gain insight into the challenges of the occupational role of consumer-provider, the authors describe a program evaluation that assessed mental health providers' perceptions of consumer-providers. A qualitative research design was used to assess non-consumer providers' attitudes toward and perceptions of consumer-providers, perceptions of the quality of services consumer-providers deliver, and knowledge and awareness of consumer-providers' education and training background. Four themes emerged, including: (1) service delivery, (2) comparisons between consumer-provided and non-consumer staff provided services, (3) perception and opinion of consumer-providers' education and training background, and (4) power dynamics. Implications of the findings are discussed.
TL;DR: The study found that the most frequently identified occupational problems were leisure and self-care and future research should investigate the efficacy of an occupational therapy intervention on this population's return to employment.
Abstract: In this study, the authors examine the perceived occupational concerns, typical daily routines, and sensory processing of mothers in a mandatory Temporary Assistance for Needy Families return to work program. Participants were five female members of a transitional work program for single parents with mental illness. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and the Adult Sensory Profile were administered. The study found that the most frequently identified occupational problems were leisure and self-care. All participants scored as having at least one atypical sensory processing pattern. Future research should investigate the efficacy of an occupational therapy intervention on this population's return to employment.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reflect their opinions and beliefs about Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, and anything else that catches my attention in this overwhelming sensory feast of life, and present an editorial about mental health.
Abstract: This is an editorial, and it reflects my opinions and beliefs about Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, and anything else that catches my attention in this overwhelming sensory feast of life. Usua...
TL;DR: Clinicians who had set up structured fieldwork programs were more likely to have guest lectured in an occupational therapy education program and met with interested students and predicted greater numbers of students participating in fieldwork.
Abstract: Fieldwork is essential for training future mental health practitioners. In this study, the authors identified factors predicting the number of students engaged in mental health fieldwork education. Proactive efforts (e.g., setting up structured fieldwork programs), such as offering both Level I and Level II fieldwork experiences, and perceiving no challenge to accepting Level II fieldwork students, predicted greater numbers of students participating in fieldwork. Clinicians who had set up structured fieldwork programs were more likely to have guest lectured in an occupational therapy education program and met with interested students. This is the first study to identify factors that predict participation in mental health fieldwork.
TL;DR: All of the books reviewed in this issue include a discussion of the effect and resulting outcomes of drugs on mentally ill individuals and the relationship between the prescribers of the drugs used to treat mental illness and the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and promote these drugs.
Abstract: All of the books reviewed in this issue include a discussion of at least one of two interrelated topics. The first is the effect and resulting outcomes of drugs on mentally ill individuals. The second topic is the relationship between the prescribers of the drugs used to treat mental illness and the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and promote these drugs. The selection of books for review does not imply endorsement of the content by Occupational Therapy in Mental Health. The purpose of the reviews is to inform readers of the current challenges to the traditional methods of treating persons with a mental illness.