The role of occupational therapists in acute mental health inpatient settings: A systematic scoping review

Introduction

Occupational therapists play an important role in offering interventions in acute mental health inpatient settings through use of individualised, activity-based, sensory, and group approaches. They may face challenges, however, to implement evidence-based interventions due to high caseload, consumers' short duration of stay, and general limited understanding of the value of occupational therapy interventions. This scoping review aimed to address this gap by answering the following question: ‘What evidence is available for occupational therapy interventions within acute mental health inpatient settings?’

Methods

This review used Arksey and O′Malley's (2005) scoping review framework. The review question was identified by occupational therapists from two leading mental health settings in Melbourne, Victoria. Three electronic databases, citation searches, and hand searching were used to locate studies that were independently screened by authors. Studies within adult acute inpatient mental health units that examined interventions designed or delivered by occupational therapists were selected. These studies were data extracted, and findings were thematically synthesised.

Consumer and community involvement

There was no consumer and community involvement.

Findings

Twenty-one studies relevant to the review question were identified. The findings from these studies were synthesised into five themes: (a) consumers' experiences of occupational therapy interventions; (b) enabling activity engagement and choice; (c) restoring function; (d) reduced need for restrictive practices; and (e) sensory modulation. These themes are discussed in relation to environmental and occupational factors, occupational therapy approaches, and contributions to consumers' recovery.

Conclusion

The findings from this review highlighted the pivotal role of occupational therapists in acute inpatient mental health settings in addressing occupational deprivation and functional decline; reducing the need for restrictive practices; enabling self-management strategies to reduce distress; and fostering personal recovery. Understanding of and promoting the unique value of occupational therapy interventions is essential to ensure effective multidisciplinary care within acute mental health settings. Future research is recommended to further explore and investigate effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions, barriers to evidence-based practices, and consumers' experiences.