Optimizing a Halfway House to Meet Mental Health Care Users’ Occupational Needs

Abstract

Background. Halfway houses (HwH) may support community reintegration of mental health care users and can be effective in meeting occupational needs of residents. However, they are not optimally used in South Africa. Purpose. This study aimed to improve the functioning of a HwH so that it better meets occupational needs of the resident mental health care users. It draws on Doble & Santha ( 2008 ); seven occupational needs. Method. A four-phase Participatory Action Research methodology was used. We conducted thematic analysis to describe met and unmet needs within PAR phases. Findings. Occupational needs of accomplishment, renewal, pleasure and companionship were being met. However, coherence, agency and affirmation needs were not being met. An additional occupational need for interdependence, based on the African ethic of Ubuntu, was identified. Implications. HwH functioning affected residents’ experiences of health and wellbeing. Engagement in collective occupations can contribute to meeting the occupational need of interdependence.

Participatory Research with Persons who Experience Mental Illness in Occupational Therapy: A Scoping Review

“…Participants in four studies ( Arblaster et al, 2019 ; Bryant et al, 2019 ; Smith & Suto, 2014 ; Suto & Smith, 2014 ) suggested that occupational therapists need to engage in self-reflection to find effective ways of building a therapeutic alliance with persons living with mental illness. The value of informal and non-clinical communication style in the context of participatory projects was identified as a priority in three studies ( Bryant et al, 2012 ; Schwartz et al, 2020 ; Tsatsi & Plastow, 2021 ). Being a co-researcher in a non-clinical context was important for changing how everyone communicated ( Bryant et al, 2012 ).…”

“…The experience of collaborating in participatory research created a potential feeling of empowerment for occupational therapy service users in 13 studies (see Table 2 ). Having an opportunity to learn from each other, expand the sense of meaning, become more vocal, share expertise with a greater audience, improve self-efficacy, feel a sense of mastery and achievement, achieve acceptance and hope, and take action towards facilitating change in their environment were factors provided in the context of participatory research that helped participants feel empowered ( Andonian, 2010 ; Bryant et al, 2012 ; Bryant et al, 2019 ; Maniam et al, 2016 ; Rempfer & Knott, 2002 ; Tsatsi & Plastow, 2021 ).…”

“…Fourteen of the included articles pointed out that participatory approaches enable individuals living with mental illness to express what really matters to them to create relevant and meaningful knowledge (see Table 2 ). Three of the included studies ( Pettican et al, 2021 ; Pettican et al, 2022 ; Tsatsi & Plastow, 2021 ) suggested that involving persons with mental illness in conducting research can assist both mental health consumers and mental health professionals such as occupational therapists to identify important ideas and the desired direction for change. In two studies, authors ( Dixon et al, 2022 ; Rempfer & Knott, 2002 ) noted that including the voice of mental health consumers helps occupational therapists access the knowledge not represented in the scientific literature.…”

“…Fear and anxiety during focus groups ( Bryant et al, 2012 ), being unfamiliar with the occupation of research ( Bryant et al, 2010 ), being an active decision-maker ( Cockburn & Trentham, 2002 ), fear of being judged, technical difficulties such as working with a camera (in the instance of photovoice), and fear of not completing the project ( Maniam et al, 2016 ) were reported. Participants in Tsatsi's study ( 2021 ), believed that their involvement in the scientific part of the research process was limited because they were only involved in the outcome formulation, initial data analysis, and taking action. Andonian (2010) discussed that selection bias in participatory approaches is assumed because the participants willing to be involved in research projects and have an active role might be different from those not comfortable speaking in group settings.…”

“…;Bryant et al, 2010;Bryant et al, 2012;Bryant et al, 2019;Bryce, 2012;Anderson Clarke & Warner, 2016;Doll & Brady, 2013;Ingolia & Barrett, 2019;Makdisi et al, 2013;Maniam et al, 2016;Mirza et al, 2008;O'Brien et al, 2021;Rempfer & Knott, 2002;Schwartz et al, 2013;Schwartz et al, 2020;Shaffer et al, 2020;Suto et al, 2021;Tsatsi & Plastow, …”