This weeks #Otalk is on the topic of “generic roles within mental health” and will be hosted by Abigail Matthews (@Abi21643842).

Here is what Abi had to say…

It is not uncommon for occupational therapists to find themselves within a generic health role, as therapists with a broad range of transferable skills therapists are ideally placed within this role.  The first occupational therapists to work in mental health provided meaningful occupations for injured soldiers during the First world war. Making use of arts, crafts and basket weaving activities (Pettigrew at al., 2017). In recent times the healthcare sector has developed additional roles for occupational therapists within generic roles, often community based (Lloyd at al., 2007). However, there are many challenges with the blurring of roles and professional boundaries. Evidence suggests that occupational therapists can find it difficult to maintain their occupation focussed within this type of role (Crawford at al., 2000). This OT talk will help explore practitioners experiences and understanding of how best to support professional development within a generic mental health setting.

1. What are the benefits and challenges of working as an OT in a general mental health setting
2. What mental health specific skills are necessary in this type of role?
3. What resources and tools can support practitioners to remain occupation centred?
4. What extra learning/ work based training has supported your practice?

References

Brown, B. , Crawford, P. and Darongkamas, J. (2000), Blurred roles and permeable boundaries: the experience of multidisciplinary working in community mental health. Health & Social Care in the Community, 8: 425-435. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2524.2000.00268.x

Lloyd, C., King, R. and Ryan, L., 2007. The challenge of working in mental health settings: Perceptions of newly graduated occupational therapists. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 70(11), pp.460-470.

Pettigrew, J., Robinson, K. and Moloney, S., 2017. The bluebirds: World War I soldiers’ experiences of occupational therapy. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 71(1), pp.7101100010p1-7101100010p9.

POST CHAT

Chat host: Abigail Matthews @Abi21643842

#OTalk Support: @gilliancrossley

#OTalk Healthcare Social Media Transcript November 13th 2018

Online Transcript

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