A study at two outpatient facilities compared two methods of collecting data on client satisfaction with mental health services provided by case managers and by physicians. A satisfaction survey instrument was developed with input from clients. A total of 120 clients were randomly assigned to be interviewed by either a staff member or a client. Clients from both facilities reported high levels of satisfaction regardless of the type of interviewer. Clients gave a significantly greater number of extremely negative responses when they were interviewed by client interviewers. No difference between the two groups was found in overall satisfaction with services received from case managers or physicians.

Eliciting client satisfaction with services has become common in mental health settings and in the planning of service delivery systems. It is also compatible with the client-centred practice of occupational therapy. The traditional approach to collecting satisfaction information involves staff interviewing clients using questionnaires developed by staff. However, there is often a lack of variability in responses and the vast majority of clients report being satisfied. A review of the literature reveals that these favourable reports may be a result of social desirability and of clients being interviewed by treatment providers who have the power to give or withhold care. This paper reviews the relationship between occupational therapy and client involvement, examines the rationale for involving clients in programme evaluation and research, reviews the limitations with traditional methods of collecting information about client satisfaction, and discusses how clients are involved in evaluation and research in today's mental health care setting.

Empowerment has achieved a prominent position in the doctrine of community mental health. This paper conceptualizes empowerment, describes its historical development in the field and its relation to power theory. While there has been a recent erosion of social-political forces enabling empowerment, we contend a legacy of empowerment will endure. Four examples of this legacy are discussed: (a)focus on social determinants of health; (b) development of conceptual models; (c) tolerance for professional self-reflection; and (d) growth of formal consumer controlled organizations.

Although this engagement strategy demonstrated an impact, more substantial change in inpatient practices likely requires a broader set of strategies that address skill levels and accountability.

Case management has been identified as an effective approach to service delivery which can assist persons with severe psychiatric disabilities to live in the community. The conceptualization and development of case management services have been the focus of much discussion. Occupational therapists are attempting to define their role in relation to case management. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between occupational therapy and the case management approach to service delivery. The case management approach will be described including its objectives, models, functions and training requirements for case managers. A discussion of some of the philosophical, educational and professional issues facing occupational therapists in the role of case manager will be examined.

Children with chronic conditions are experiencing improved survival worldwide, and it is well-known that their parents are stressed. Yet, despite this knowledge, parents continue to experience stress. Our study explored the lived experience of parental stress when caring for children with various chronic conditions to identify opportunities to potentially reduce stress for these parents. This was an exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. To ensure appropriate research priorities were addressed, the study was co-designed with consumer and stakeholder involvement. Twenty parents were interviewed. Parents were recruited through a recognized family support organization for children with various care needs in Western Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Two superordinate themes were identified: (1) Gut instinct to tipping point included parents as unheard experts and their experiences of stress and becoming overwhelmed. (2) Losses and gains covered the parents' identity and relationship challenges and coping strategies with their children's unpredictable conditions. Parents' experiences of stress caring for children with chronic conditions can be applied to the Job-Demand Control-Support Model for occupational stress. Not only does this application provide a useful framework for practitioners but it adds a unique perspective that reflects the dual role of parents in caring for their children with chronic conditions as a parent but also a professional with a 24/7 workload. The parents' experiences highlight a need for improved support access, effective communication between parents and health care professionals, discharge preparation and information provision, and regular screening of parental stress with a referral pathway.

In an effort to prevent medication errors, barcode medication administration technology has been implemented in many health care organizations. An integrative review was conducted to understand the effect of barcode medication administration technology on medication errors, and characteristics of use demonstrated by nurses contribute to medication safety. Addressing poor system use may support improved patient safety through the reduction of medication administration errors.

In conclusion, users were overall satisfied with the e-Volution-TREAT system, although expressed challenges related to workload that interfered with time to utilize the system. It would be premature to conclude the change in client outcomes was related to the e-Volution-TREAT system without a randomized controlled trial with outcomes compared to a control group. Future research needs to incorporate strategies for modifying the context and engage clinicians who are in a position of influence to model change.