OTnews October 2021

MENTAL HEALTH FEATURE

Key outcomes Over the initial six months of the project , around 500 people across partner organisations were influencing or educating about domestic abuse , the local Domestic Abuse Safety Unit ( DASU ) and its sister services , and the role of the domestic abuse occupational therapist . Feedback from multidisciplinary and agency colleagues within and outside of DASU evidenced the positive impact of the domestic abuse occupational therapist on morale , engagement and multiagency working .

Documents and processes for use within an occupational therapy pathway , from referral through to discharge , have been created for this service in readiness to adopt and spread the service across Wales .

In total , over the 10-month project period , 30 female , workingage service users were seen by the occupational therapist . Following initial assessment , eight onward referrals were made to manage health and risk issues and 20 individuals engaged with occupational therapy intervention – all of whom reported progress with their ability to manage daily life .

Many of the individual quotes from service users collected during the discharge review process showed that people improved their ability to perform personalised goals and saw an increase in quality of life .

The illustrated progress was captured against eight occupational goal themes , as highlighted here through service users ’ comments :

Cope with symptoms : ‘ I don ’ t want to die any more , I want to live and know what it ’ s like to live free ’; ‘ I had a panic attack before college , but I ’ m here and I ’ m okay ’; ‘ My fibromyalgia is under control , due to the reduced stresses ’; and ‘ I feel less of an emotional connection to my ex ’.

Hold and carry out an important role ( such as worker , student , parent ): ‘ Work has seen a massive change in my productivity , quality and concentration ’; ‘ I am shocked and proud that I have lasted this long in work without the urge to avoid going ’; ‘ I just got 100 per cent in both my exams ’; ‘ Thank you for your support getting me in touch with mental health services [ for her son ]’.

Establish a routine : ‘ The dog and [ I ] have a pleasant evening routine ’; [ From the case-record ] ‘ A service user stated that due to the new skills , goals , routine and anxiety management , she is able to remove herself from negative thoughts and feelings .’

Look after myself : ‘ I have washed my hair before you arrived ’; ‘ I have started eating healthier food choices that I prepare ’; ‘ I am engaging in outdoor fitness activities , to help with my weight loss ’; ‘ I had a bath for the first time in a long time ’.

Find enjoyment : ‘ Spending time with my horse is more of a joy than a hindrance ’; ‘ I have started to watch music videos on the TV and enjoy them ’; ‘ I went to my sister ’ s and actually relaxed while sitting in her garden ’.

Have and look after my home : ‘ I can recognise things I love about my home ’; ‘ I went upstairs and cleaned my windows , for the first time in years ’; ‘ I am beginning to catch up with things I

OTnews October 2021 19

OTnews October 2021 | Page 19