Study Circles Enhancing the Evidence Based Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry

Background: Expectations of evidence based practice concerns occupational therapy in HUH psychiatry. Occupational therapists must answer to this challenge to confirm the importance of occupational therapy as a rehabilitation... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
Expectations of evidence based practice concerns occupational therapy in HUH psychiatry. Occupational therapists must answer to this challenge to confirm the importance of occupational therapy as a rehabilitation method and to survive as a part of the multidisciplinary team. As a solution to this challenge
social learning were arranged, using the study circles as a method.
Theoretical underpinning:
The theoretical background of study circles relied on theories of social and situated learning. The study circle is a social and interactive form of learning. It provides a space to learn and reflect in, through and for the workplace. (Evans K. et al, 2006; Ollila S. 2006)
The Value of occupational therapy – about evidence based occupational therapy textbook was used as a guideline. (Alnervik, A. & Linddahl I., 2011)
Intervention:
Occupational therapists with variety of professional experience participated the study circles as a groups of peers sharing empirical and theoretical knowledge. The OTs were taught to search for researches about their own clinical specialties from the data bases.
Evaluation of outcome:
OTs recognized the need of more knowledge about evidence based ccupational therapy. The discussion and reflection about the theme have started.
The final evaluation of achieved skills will be made during the spring 2016.
Application to practice:
The aim of the study circles were to enhance the use of evidence based occupational therapy in everyday practice. The responsibility to use the theory and research knowledge in practice relies on each OT but the discussion should be an ongoing process.