The potential role of the occupational therapist in acute psychiatric services: A comparative evaluation

Abstract

Aims and This analysis paper describes a comparative evaluation of service deliverables within the Service Level Agreements (SLA) of two acute psychiatric services; one inclusive and the other exclusive of occupational therapy. Methods: Six SLA agreements provided the standards by which the two services were evaluated. The SLAs were evaluated because they are used by the service managers and commissioners to measure performance and clinical effectiveness. The role of the occupational therapists and their contribution to the planning and delivery of the performance indicators is also considered. An evaluation framework was applied to explore the potential role occupational therapy may have had in any performance difference between the two sites. In doing so it is hoped to provide some evidence to support and inform occupational therapists and service managers on the role and of occupational therapy in acute mental health services. This comparative evaluation followed the first three of the five audit stages: 1. Preparing for audit; 2. Selecting criteria; and 3. Measuring performance level. Findings: The service with occupational therapy performed better on home leave day use, ward occupancy and less than 3-day admissions. Conclusions: By delivering their key roles of individual assessment, therapeutic groups, individual treatment and discharge planning occupational therapist were able to contribute to the overall efficiency of service delivery. These findings support the role of the occupational therapist in an acute psychiatric setting and provide guidance for managers on how to utilise occupational therapy in the delivery of service outcomes.