Occupational Therapy News OTnews April 2019 | Page 26

FEATURE MENTAL HEALTH
Success of change
‘‘
The medication optimisation team (pharmacists), have
provided occupational therapists at Connelly House,
with bespoke training and intensive on-call support
to allow for the unique practice of safe and effective
storing and dispensing of medication, within the
inpatient environment.
The management of inhouse medication, with an
occupational lens, has been pivotal in defining the
unique service. This has been valued also by
the patients, as identified through a qualitative
questionnaire; this highlighted a reduction in
anxiety regarding medication and increased
confidence in disclosing medication questions and
side effects on occupational functioning.
Occupational therapists at Connelly House
have demonstrated through the documentation of
an activity log that increased levels of meaningful
Looking ahead
Connelly House has recently become affiliated
26 OTnews April 2019
occupational therapy in non-traditional roles.
The development of Connelly House has been a
unique experience in enabling occupational therapists
to demonstrate their professional ability in leading a
rehabilitation ward.
Throughout this changing process, it was vital
that barriers were broken down, with both patients
and staff, to build upon the solutions to ensure the
success of Connelly House and its change of identity.
It has provided the opportunity to justify and
evidence the clinical cost-effectiveness of the service,
while emphasising the valued impact occupational
therapy has for the patient and staff group.
References
College of Occupational Therapists (2017) Occupation-
focused practice in secure hospitals – Occupational
Therapy Evidence Fact Sheet. London: COT
Davies S, Clarke M, Hollin C and Duggan C (2007) Long-
term outcomes after discharge from medium secure
care: a cause for concern, The British Journal of
Psychiatry, 191: 70-74. Available online at: http://bjp.
rcpsych.org/content/191/1/70.long [accessed 6 July
2016]
Hurst J and Williams S (2012). Can NHS hospitals do more
with less? Research report. Nuffield Trust. Available
online at: www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/research/can-nhs-
hospitals-do-more-with-less [accessed 28 November
2018]
Sophie Bate, senior occupational therapist, email:
[e-mail]; Tanya Marriot, occupational
therapist, email: [e-mail]; and Alice
Vanstone, occupational therapy manager, email:
[e-mail]
engagement correlates with consistently low risk of
violence.
Furthermore, the access to an
occupational therapist between
A collaborative
7:30am and 8:30pm enables
approach is essential
an established therapeutic
environment, where all
within a rehabilitation ward
interactions are considered
to ensure patients are
purposeful, meaningful and
able to manage their own
goal-directed. The emphasis
on routine, activities of daily
recovery, recognise their
living and social skills is
relapse indictors and identify
embedded on the ward.
coping strategies.
Connelly House has become
a recognised environment within
Langdon Hospital to support training
and development for assistant practitioners
and support workers.
This has been highlighted through multiple
nominations for recognised awards within the trust.
Occupational therapists have been able to expand
their skill set and support the staff and patient group
to view themselves as occupational beings and
practice with an occupational lens.
Additionally, offering the opportunity for external
occupational therapists to visit the setting has
enabled best practice to be shared nationally.
Two years into the journey and the team has
significantly reduced length of stay, while patients
transition into the community with a well-balanced
routine. The likelihood of a meaningful sustained
discharge is a reality.
with the community forensic team (CFT) to provide
continuity throughout the care pathway for the patient
group. The CFT will be integral in supporting and
directing the referral and discharge process.
The aim at Connelly House is to provide three
months’ robust and intensive occupational therapy,
tailored to their individual needs and goals. This will
support patient flow across the secure directorate and
into the community.
The Connelly House team will continue to utilise
measurable therapeutic outcomes to evidence the
on-going development and identity for occupational
therapists. This will highlight the economical value the
occupational therapy profession can provide for the
NHS.
The team will continue to raise awareness of
the Connelly House model to ensure best practice
is shared nationally, and increase opportunities for