Substance misuse
Feature centred way , maintaining focus on promoting recovery through meaningful activity .
The role of occupational therapy is well established within mental health services throughout Wales ( RCOT 2017 ). Occupational therapists are a significant part of the mental health workforce in the UK . Approximately a third of all occupational therapists are embedded in statutory mental health services across the lifespan ( Connolly et al 2018 ).
It is long established that to provide quality and effective mental health care , a multidisciplinary approach is essential ( see legislation box on page 27 ). Occupational therapists form part of this multidisciplinary team approach and bring their unique perspective based in social determinants of health .
We offer bespoke mental health interventions , including advice and consultation across wider services , based on occupational needs rather than just focusing on mental health diagnosis ( RCOT 2021 ).
OTs are dual trained in physical and mental health , being ideally situated to provide holistic assessment and intervention .
We have been shown to be effective in facilitating improvements in the physical health of those with serious mental health problems and reducing the demands on GP services by increasing individual ’ s confidence in managing their condition ( Bevan Commission 2021 ).
We are also effective in supporting those with enduring mental health difficulties back into employment ( RCOT 2018 ). When working in inpatient mental health units , occupational therapists have been shown to reduce the length of admission by 20 % ( RCOT 2018 ).
There ’ s a real emphasis on bringing your own ideas and creativity to occupational therapy in mental health ; nothing is prescriptive and every day is different , working in different communities . You ’ re able to bring your own strengths , skills and personal qualities to the role to make a difference , whether it ’ s being that friendly , approachable face of therapies on the ward when someone is in their darkest place , or supporting someone to live an independent and fulfilling life in their own home .
There ’ s a real sense of satisfaction that comes from interactions with service users and the trusting therapeutic relationships you build . Seeing the real difference that you make is hugely motivating . Seeing the ‘ lightbulb moment ’ when service users and colleagues really get that recovery and meaningful change happens by ‘ doing ’.
For years , I had hoped to combine my knowledge and experience of addiction and occupational
Evidence link
Ryan and Boland ( 2021 ) conducted a scoping review to source and synthesise literature on occupational therapy interventions for people experiencing addiction . 597 records were identified through searching multiple databases and other sources . Following de-duplication and screening , 18 papers were included . Of these , three were quantitative , five qualitative , four used mixed-methods and six were narrative descriptions of interventions . The papers were critically appraised and narratively synthesised , with findings grouped into three themes : single occupation focused intervention ; skills training ( with daily living skills and vocational skills subthemes ); and establishing a community-based sober routine . The authors identify that , whilst further research is need , occupational therapy appears to be a good fit with most addiction treatment settings , with interventions most supportive when they go beyond teaching of skills to prioritise occupational engagement .
Ryan DA , Boland P ( 2021 ) A scoping review of occupational therapy interventions in the treatment of people with substance use disorders . Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy , 49 ( 2 ), 104 – 114 . doi : 10.1108 / IJOT- 11-2020-0017
therapy , which came to fruition in the form of a brand-new role within Aneurin Bevan UHB as Specialist Occupational Therapist in the Gwent Specialist Substance Misuse Service ( GSSMS ).
Occupational therapists have been working with people with addictions for decades , with evidence suggesting that occupational therapy interventions are supportive in reducing the harms associated with substance use and are most effective when focused on developing ‘ life skills ’ that facilitate reengagement in meaningful occupational roles and community-based routines ( Ryan and Boland 2021 ; Wasmuth et al 2014 ).
There have been calls for further demonstration of how occupational therapy is effective in addiction treatment ( Ryan and Boland 2021 ), which was one of the appealing challenges of my role .
Bringing a unique perspective to addiction and substance misuse , occupational therapy offers a new understanding into the chronic relapsing nature of addiction and generates new insights to promote recovery .
For example , well-meaning encouragement towards abstinence from substances may be
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