"Exploring the daily occupations and community reintegration of forensic mental health clients during their transition to community-based residences."

Background: There are few studies examining the impact of prolonged occupational restrictions resulting from forensic psychiatric admissions; however it is suggested that these restrictions may impact on an individual’s... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
There are few studies examining the impact of prolonged occupational restrictions resulting from forensic psychiatric admissions; however it is suggested that these restrictions may impact on an individual’s ability to return to the community (Farnworth & Munoz, 2009). This study explored the views of three forensic mental health clients who have transitioned to community-based residences following a forensic hospital admission; focusing on the impact of the transition on their daily occupations and community reintegration.
Method:
The study was based at the National Forensic Mental Health Service, Ireland. Each participant was interviewed on two separate occasions between May and July 2015. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009) was utilised to analyse and interpret data.
Results:
Analysis of the data revealed four super-ordinate themes: the environment as a gateway to occupational engagement, the changing nature of occupational engagement, taking control and negotiating the social world.
Conclusion:
The study illuminated the positive impact of increased autonomy and control on an individual’s well-being and future outlook, and the impact of temporality on the meaning ascribed to occupations. The social adjustment involved in the transition was highlighted by participants as a challenging aspect of transitioning to the community. Developing our understanding of the occupational needs of these individuals can assist with developing evidence-based and needs-led programmes to this vulnerable client group.
Application to Practice:
The current study has illuminated areas for consideration relating to the personal, occupational and social needs of this client group. Implications for research and practice are outlined.