Service development
Service development
history in Hereford . Here , people developed their confidence to access a busier café within the centre of Hereford .
For the being active sessions , people were encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills further with developing options for a weather dependent activity . They decided to start at a local coffee shop , bringing crosswords , colouring and brain teasers to engage in mental activities .
We also gathered feedback to improve further programmes . A care co-ordinator / nurse said of one participant that they felt both the occupational therapy group and the work they were doing with them was ‘ making a significant shift ’.
From individual reflections , one person fed back that it was ‘ the nicest group [ they ] had ever been to ’ and that they felt somewhat emotional that the group was ending . They also recognised that the group had made them more open to social interaction and that it had helped them to know they were ‘ all in the same boat ’. Similar comments were made by other participants .
Final reflections
Facilitators collated information that will be further analysed and added to the pilot project . While we recognised that some outcomes measures did not improve , these were the self-perceived measures , which for many were representative of their current situational stressors they were experiencing .
One participant , who had been with services for many years , really struggled with the programme ending , due to recommendations around transfer of care back to the GP . We validated their selfperceived score in his summary report , but also recognised progress .
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The MOHOST demonstrated improvements in motivation for exploring interests and activities , with developments , knowledge ( roles and different types of routines ), problem solving ( tasks ) and organisational skills ( planning outings ).
Two participants in particular showed improvements across all measures . There was also significant change through the MOHOST , demonstrating improvement in motivation to explore different occupations , timing , knowledge and organisational skills .
As a personal reflection , I have thoroughly enjoyed delivering this programme , as it is the first occupational-focused longer-term intervention delivered during my three years with the trust .
We felt some anxiety with being unable to plan the sessions and outings beforehand and it was difficult to avoid ‘ doing ’ for participants . However , I have seen the benefits ; with participants feeling empowered to take on roles and responsibilities within the group tasks and planning outings , providing opportunity for confidence building , skills development and occupational achievement .
I look forward to continuing the occupational therapy programme within the trust .
Clark F , Blanchard J , Sleight A et al ( 2015 ) Lifestyle redesign : The intervention tested in the usc well elderly studies . Vol . 2nd Edition . United States of America : The American Occupational Therapy Association , Inc .
Newport A and Clarke C ( 2020 ) The experiences of people with severe mental health conditions participating in the Occupation Matters Programme : An interpretative phenomenological analysis . British Journal of Occupational Therapy , 83 ( 10 ): 620-630 .
Wilcock A ( 2007 ) Occupation and health : Are they one and the same ? Journal of Occupational Science , 14 ( 1 ): 3-8 .
Words ABIGAIL MATTHEWS , Occupational Therapist , Hereford Neighbourhood Mental Health Service , abigail . matthews6 @ nhs . net . Many thanks to Louise Wiggins , Professional Lead for AHPs , and Alison Newport , Leadership Development Lead , Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , for making this programme possible .
July 2023 OTnews 37