This study, part of the College of Occupational Therapists' Mental Health Project, surveyed occupational therapy managers in mental health to gather data about them. the services they managed and their opinions on current and future issues of importance. A questionnaire was sent to the 184 managers who it was believed worked in mental health and it achieved a 65.2% response rate.The majority of the 120 respondents were female. with Head II therapists between the ages of 31 and 40 forming the largest group. Two-thirds had additional qualifications and 71 % had worked in mental health for more than 11 years. In addition to managing occupational therapy services, 86% carried a caseload or managed other services. Aspects of professional management were ranked highest in a list of tasks undertaken. Contradictions were noted in the managers' opinions on recruitment and retention of staff and the importance of staff supervision. The managers displayed commitment to the principles and philosophy of occupational therapy and a determination to demonstrate its effectiveness through research and evidence-based practice.This study contributed to the position paper on the way ahead for occupational therapy in mental health (Craik et a11998a) and provided information for occupational therapy managers to assist them to review their role.
population, research evidence has shown that the morbidity and mortality rates of the former group are higher (Cormac et al, 2004). Poor diet and nutrition are modifiable lifestyle behaviours that
The future of occupational therapy in mental health has been a topic of reflection and debate. The Education and Research Board (now the Education and Practice Board) of the College of Occupational Therapists created a Working Group to develop a position paper on the way ahead for research, education and practice in mental health.Following consultation, the Working Group reviewed literature, examined current research and surveyed practitioners, managers and educators. From these findings, recommendations have been made which will lead to a firmer evidence base for the practice of occupational therapy in mental health, leading to a more effective use of the expertise of occupational therapists and an improved service for users.
This paper reports on the work of the occupational therapist in a token economy system. The unit described specializes in the treatment of behaviourally disordered adolescents who have a mild to moderate degree of mental impairment and who have presented intractable management problems elsewhere. The paper outlines the criteria for patient referral and describes the ward setting and the token economy system. Occupational therapy is examined under the headings of assessment, functional and educational skills, work and recreation, and specific treatment options are outlined. Occupational therapy is also discussed in relation to other treatments and disciplines, and particular attention is paid to the problems of resettlement.
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