The purpose of the current pilot program was to measure efficacy of sensory modulation treatment for adults (N = 20) admitted to an inpatient, involuntary psychiatric unit. Efficacy of 1-hour group (n = 10) and 1-hour individual (n = 9) sensory modulation treatment was measured via pre- and postintervention self-rating scales (visual analog scale from 0 to 10, with 0 = low arousal and 10 = high arousal) and post-survey. Results indicated treatment elicited an average self-perceived change in arousal of 1.93. Group treatment elicited an average self-rating change of 1.79, whereas individual treatment elicited an average change of 2.67. For participants who initially rated their arousal level ≥6, group treatment elicited a change of 4.5, whereas individual treatment elicited a change of 7.5. Participants sought materials and activities that were primarily categorized into the olfactory, gustatory, and auditory sensory systems.

Results of this review support use of evidence-based practice within the scope of occupational therapy, inclusion of occupational therapy practitioners as mental health service providers, and continued research.

The role of the pastoral practitioner is embedded in many health care services and organizations. Despite this, there is little evidence to describe the impact of this role on patient outcomes, in particular how visits by a pastoral practitioner influence patient healing and recovery. This paper describes a small study that explored the patient experience of pastoral practitioner visits in an acute care facility.

Date Presented 04/04/19 The purpose of this descriptive, mixed-methods study was to examine perceived impacts of participation in a financial management program for those with mental-health or substance-use disorders. Data from 17 participants included demographics, overall well-being from the PHS-WB scale, and perceived impact of a financial management account program. The research findings can guide OT practitioners in assessment and intervention in this area of occupation. Primary Author and Speaker: Jennifer Gardner Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarab Rodar Contributing Authors: Michal Ben-Baruch, Amy Beronio, Jennifer Malinak, Lisa Pignataro, Margaret Swarbrick, Stephen Olker

This paper presents an example of successful collaboration between an entry-level occupational therapy program and school-based setting that resulted in innovative programming for high school students living with autism and learning disorders. The two-day programming provided opportunity for high school students (n = 30) to practice a variety of life skills on the university campus as a way to support transition to secondary education and learning in the natural environment. Occupational therapy master's students developed and implemented the programming as a service-learning experience. Key factors for successful collaboration and outcomes, as well as considerations for future programming and research, are outlined.

The purpose of this exploratory, non-experimental mixed methods study was to analyze the habits and routines of adults in early recovery (>3 months) from substance use disorder (SUD). Participants (N = 14) were recruited from an intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) program for substance use disorders. Data collection consisted of a demographic survey, a researcher developed Daily Occupational Questionnaire (DOQ), and follow-up semi-structured interviews with 5 randomly selected participants. Quantitative results indicate rest as the most frequently engaged in activity on the most busy (31.0%) and least busy day (36.6%). There was no significant difference, t(13) = 0.117, P = .909, between newly established activities on the most busy and least busy day. Qualitative themes included 1. The most difficult time of day is often related to patterns of unused time. 2. When there is a lack of structure or unoccupied time, they return to their previously established positive supports. 3. There is a need for consistency and structure for developing anticipated/perceived routines. Implications for all healthcare and clinical providers working with this population, as well as research suggestions, are outlined.

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The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a tool used by persons living with psychiatric disabilities, which guides the development of an individualized plan of action to help achieve and/or maintain wellness and recovery. Through use of sensory-based treatment, the clients are able to explore sensory preferences and use this information when developing their plan. The WRAP and sensory-based treatment are complementary in nature and can be successfully blended to promote wellness and recovery for this population. As the occupational therapists are equipped to educate the clients on the link between sensory preferences and obtainment of wellness and recovery, this paper describes how the occupational therapy practitioners developed a program that used both for implementation of services.