The priority list developed as part of this project provides additional information to support the review of occupational therapy curricula across Australia and New Zealand to ensure that new graduates are optimally prepared for mental health practice.

The findings of this review suggest a comprehensive role for occupational therapy in addressing obesity. However, the paucity of outcome studies mean that significantly more research is required to further define and provide a strong evidence base for occupational therapy practice in this emerging field.

Introduction: Recovery-oriented practice policies and occupational therapy education accreditation standards require that consumers are engaged in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula. This consumer involvement (sometimes referred to as serviceuser involvement or patient involvement in other contexts) should go beyond consumers simply 'telling their stories' to more meaningful collaboration in curricula. This study was designed to map the current patterns of consumer involvement in occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Method: A survey was distributed to all occupational therapy programs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The survey included questions related to: (a) perceived enablers and barriers to consumer involvement in education; (b) organisational structures and support; (c) ways in which consumer are involved in the design, delivery and evaluation of curricula; (d) access to remuneration for consumers; (e) overall ratings of the level of consumer involvement in curricula; and (f) academic confidence in working with consumers.Results: Usable responses were received for 23 programs from 19 universities (83% response rate). Every program reported some consumer involvement in the curriculum. Consumer participation tended to be mainly focussed on curriculum delivery with less frequent involvement in curriculum design or evaluation. The most common barrier to consumer involvement in curricula was 'funding/remuneration for

The occupational therapists in this study identified clear boundaries of their role in providing diet-related interventions for people with severe mental illness. Suggestions for improvement in this area included further training for occupational therapists as well as increased access to dietitians for those services that lie outside the occupational therapy role.

Introduction: Individual placement and support is recognized as current best practice vocational rehabilitation for people living with a severe mental illness. This study aimed to provide insight into the consumer perspective of factors that impact the success of an individual placement and support programme in Australia. Method: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five participants. Participants were diagnosed with a severe mental illness and were engaged with an individual placement supported employment programme in one area health service in New South Wales, Australia. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory methods. Results: Analysis revealed the core category of pushing through, a three-step process that involved experiencing discomfort, learning to adapt, and getting into a groove. Pushing through described the participants' direct experience of individual placement and support, as well as their management of their health and ability to cope with everyday practicalities and relationships while engaged in the programme. Conclusions: The participants in this study described their experiences of being involved in an individual placement and support programme as being characterized by a process of pushing through. The participants' actions and experiences at each stage of this process provide cues for more tailored support within individual placement and support to meet changing needs.

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While there appears to be overall good alignment between mental health curricula and priorities identified by practising occupational therapists, there are some discrepancies. These discrepancies are described and establish a strong foundation for further discussion between clinicians, academics and university administration to support curriculum review and revision.

Background: Individuals diagnosed with severe mental illness have higher rates of obesity than the general population due to a range of factors, including: medication side effects, poor nutrition and reduced physical activity. Obesity is associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions can be effective in addressing this issue. While such interventions would appear to fit within the scope of practice of occupational therapy, there is no publication synthesising the existing literature regarding occupational therapy interventions addressing lifestyle factors associated with obesity. Aim: To determine what is known from the existing literature about occupational therapy interventions addressing weight gain and obesity in adults diagnosed with severe mental illness. Methods: A scoping review was conducted. Searches were performed in online databases, occupational therapy journals and grey literature databases. Thematic analysis occurred across all articles included in the review. Results: A total of 14 articles were included in the review. Analysis revealed a central theme of supporting occupational performance and participation in health promoting occupations. This central theme consisted of four categories; facilitating client-centred practice, addressing personal performance issues, addressing environmental barriers and providing the 'just right' challenge. Conclusion/Significance: These findings suggest occupational therapists are providing occupation focused interventions that are aligned with current clinical guidelines. However, more research is required to strengthen evidence-based occupational therapy practice in this important area.KEY WORDS obesity, occupational therapy, severe mental illness, weight gain.