THE ROLE AND THE IMPACT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AT AN ACUTE UNIT FOR PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Background: The service users of acute units of mental health hospitals are those that face severe symptoms and the usual reasons for hospitalization are: a) the danger of harming themselves or others, b) the lack of social... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
The service users of acute units of mental health hospitals are those that face severe symptoms and the usual reasons for hospitalization are: a) the danger of harming themselves or others, b) the lack of social support c) the need for safety from an unstable family environment, d) the severenes of the mental health disorder.
Theoretical underpinning:
Under these circumstances the practice of Occupational Therapy has an important impact based on the modern paradigm where occupation is the treatment medium. In mental health units the Occupational Therapists engage the service users in meaningful occupations that are balanced between self-care, leisure and productivity.
Assessment / Intervention/ Technique:
The current case study based on a person centered frame of reference and using the Canadian model of Occupational Performance presents the procedure that where followed in order to assess the level functioning and the personal needs of the service users.
Evaluation of outcome:
In addition, examples of individual or group activities that engage the service users in meaningful occupations that improve the occupational balance the executive functions the management of stress and the social abilities are presented.
Application to practice:
Examples of activities like arts and crafts, working in groups for the improvement of social abilities and interpersonal skills, Cognitive Remediation Therapy and the preparation for the discharge from the acute mental unit are discussed.