The Role Of Occupational Therapy Within An Acute Mental Health Setting: A Naturalistic Cohort Study

Occupational therapy is an essential component of psychiatric treatment. The purpose of this naturalistic cohort study is to evaluate the impact of a structured occupational therapy program in an acute mental health setting (AMHS) on psychiatric inpatients' function and occupational performance. The participants (N = 397) attended the structured occupational therapy program during their hospitalization in an AMHS. Function and occupational performance were evaluated with the Occupational Abilities and Performance Scale. The results indicate a positive therapeutic role in the structured occupational therapy program. An interesting finding is related to the adequate duration of patient participation needed to improve their function and occupational performance. The inclusion of structured, purposeful, and comprehensive occupational therapy programs of adequate duration in the daily routine of an AMHS could be a valuable therapeutic component of the treatment armamentarium, as it may enhance patients' occupational performance, social functioning, and well-being.