The aim of the study was to investigate how people with serious mental illness perceived the experience of volunteering for the health care organisation in which they had received a service. The study took a qualitative approach and in phase one, eleven service user volunteers were purposefully sampled and interviewed. In depth interviews were analysed using grounded theory. This paper describes the findings from phase one, and highlights the following themes to represent the volunteering experience: 1) rehearsing for a new direction; 2) treading carefully at first; 3) discovering my new self; and, 4) using my experience and extending relationships. These themes further support a tentative theoretical framework that considers supported volunteering to enhance recovery because it fosters positive risk taking and gives individuals a valued identity that integrates their mental health experience. In phase two, this framework will be tested with service users in more diverse volunteer positions. The findings of my study suggest that mental health services are in a unique position to build partnerships with service users to support their recovery and journeys toward employment by providing opportunities for volunteering.
Introduction Home assessments are integral to the occupational therapy role, providing opportunities to personalise and integrate care. However, they are resource intensive and declining in number. A 3-month service development within one United Kingdom National Health Service acute hospital setting explored the concept of using digital technology to undertake remote home assessments. Methods Four work streams explored the concept’s feasibility and acceptability: real-world testing; user consultations; narrative case study collection; traditional visit resource use exploration. Project participants were occupational therapists and patient and public representatives recruited via snowball sampling or critical case sampling. Qualitative data were thematically analysed identifying key themes. Analysis of quantitative data provided descriptive statistics. Findings The remote home visit concept was feasible within four specific contexts. Qualitative themes suggest acceptability depends on visitor safety, visitor training, visitor induction and standardisation of practice. Consultees perceived the approach to have potential for resource savings, personalisation and integration of care. Barriers to acceptance included data security, data governance, technology failure and threat to occupational therapists’ role and skills. Conclusion Applying digital technology to occupational therapy home assessment appears feasible and acceptable within a specific context. Further research is recommended to develop the technology, and test and investigate perceived benefits within wider contexts and stakeholder groups.
Introduction This study consulted intended users and adopters of technology about a remote home visit application called Virtual Visit Approach. Participants were shown a video of a ‘mock’ remote home visit and asked to discuss the potential benefits, barriers and uses they could envisage. Methods Purposive sampling brought together stakeholders, patients and public representatives to capture thoughts, feelings and views in co-design workshops. Primary qualitative data were collected in real time. Post workshop, they were analysed and categorised into key themes and subthemes. Findings The opportunity to conduct remote home visits was regarded as a positive adjunct to usual practice. However, concerns about the quality of remote assessments were expressed by participants in the workshops. Conclusion The NHS response to COVID-19 sparked a national roll out of the use of video conferencing technology. The opportunity to access technology to conduct remote visits and consultations, has instigated a seismic change in the way healthcare is delivered now and for the future. However, there is much we do not yet know about the impact on the intended adopters and users of remote visits and consultations. This study demonstrated the importance of involving intended adopters and users in the co-design of technology to explore potential benefits, barriers and uses providing valuable insights to inform future design and development.
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