Occupation-centred practice : perspectives of occupational therapists working in acute mental health care

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of mental disorders is rising across the world and in South Africa driving the need for effective, occupation-centred practice in acute mental health care. In the acute setting, however, many occupational therapists experience challenges to practising in an occupation-centred manner. Occupation though remains the core construct of occupational therapy and occupational therapists everywhere are being urged to rediscover the power of occupation and embrace, develop, and maintain an occupation-centred practice. Aim: This study aimed to describe occupation-centred practice from the perspective of occupational therapists working in acute mental health care, in and around the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Methodology: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive design was used. Through maximum variance purposeful sampling nineteen participants were recruited to two focus groups. Transcriptions were analysed using the six steps of thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke to construct themes. Results: Four themes were constructed namely, 1. The process of occupation-centred practice, 2. Activities enable occupation-centred practice, 3. The theoretical underpinnings of occupation-centred practice and 4. Influencers of occupation-centred practice. Conclusion: Occupational therapists confirmed the centrality of occupation in their practice and further described occupation-centred practice as a process that entails the use of activities to facilitate experiences. Theoretical constructs that were helpful in guiding occupation-centred practice were highlighted. Influencers were experienced as either supporting or constraining occupation-centred practice. Significance: This study contributes to the evidence base of the profession in South Africa, ensuring that Occupational Therapy maintains its unique role and contribution to acute mental health care.