1. Transitions: The transfer from inpatient to community care in mental health. Challenges for Occupational Therapy.
Alexandra Thompson Band 5 Occupational Therapist
West London Mental Health Trust
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

2. Introduction A little bit about me… Now introduce yourselves!
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

3. Aim of the session: To discuss current issues.
To talk about how occupational therapists can support people with mental illness in their transition between services along with the current challenges associated with this in today’s NHS.
To further explore how occupational therapists can contribute to service development.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

4. My role within Inpatient Mental Health
How do I support people/ensure they are supported in the community?
A mix of 1:1 and Group interventions. What activities can I provide?
Advocating for my service users.
Working as a close member of the MDT.
Remember it depends on the individual (Client Centredness)
MDT Working – Study about Nursing opinions.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

5. www.menti.com Let me know:
What do you think is the main issue with mental health care at present?
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

6. Community Resources CATT Floating Support Supported Accommodation
Care Co-ordination
Peer Support
Befriending (MIND)
MIND - Day Services, Advocacy, Cleaning, etc.
Recovery College
Vocational Services
Bespoke Mental Health Charities
Art Therapy
Music Therapy
Drama Therapy
Occupational Therapy
And MORE!
Main ones I refer to; all vary in inclusion criteria, availability and waiting times. Research is important, you may come across something you did not realise was available. I made a leaflet outlining the community services available to hand out to service users and their families.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

7. Occupational Justice Definition of Occupational Justice –
“The right of every individual to be able to meet basic needs and to have equal opportunities and life chances to reach toward her or his potential but specific to the individual’s engagement in diverse and meaningful occupation.”
(Wilcock & Townsend, 2009, p. 193)
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

8. Occupational Justice
Due to the cuts to mental health services in the UK, does this affect Occupational Justice?
I believe; YES. There is not enough support for people with MI to engage in meaningful activity in the community and limited resources within inpatient settings e.g. time, staffing, money.
Engaging in occupation is a human right!
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

9. Institutionalisation
Prolonged periods of admission – getting used to the hospital environment.
Become dependent on others within the service.
Difficulties when discharged to the community; may affect the level of support they require at home.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

10. Readmission Factors affecting readmission
What should we pay attention to?
Shorter Stays = Higher risk of readmission? Clarification needed if the length of stay is in correlation to their needs.
‘Revolving Door” Admissions – Why?
Level of education is also another risk factor for re-admission of patients.
Function before discharge can predict long term outcome and risk of readmission.
Occupational Therapists may use functional assessment to predict risk of readmission.
Low functioning = increased risk of readmission.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

11. What can we do?
A chance for Occupational Therapists to show people what we can do AND how we can help support services! #ValueofOT #ImprovingLivesSavingMoney
Our chance to raise our profile.
Our chance to make an impact!
We can support people to live more independent lives and to stay in their own homes.
The issues in mental health could be alleviate with support from occupational therapists.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

12. Improving Lives Saving Money
You can get involved and share the #ValueofOT based on your experiences to help promote our amazing profession!
Visit:
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

13. Challenges You identified many challenges! NHS running on ‘Goodwill’?
Readmission due to lack of support and opportunities.
Role Blurring?
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

14. How can we promote Occupational Therapy?
Shout about it at every opportunity!
Social Media – Twitter, Facebook, Wordpress etc.
Occupational Therapy – Not OT.
Explain what we do, don’t play it down.
Promote the importance of Occupation for Recovery in people with Mental Illness.
Roadshow at COT: “Easier just to say you’re a physio” Talk to commissioners, approach the media (TV, Radio, Newspapers to talk about the profession)
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

15. Activity and Conclusion:
Newspaper/Healthcare articles; Group Discussion about current issues.
How can OTs help with these issues?
Pick a spokesperson from each group to feedback after 10 minutes - Summary of Article… - Main issues? - Anything positive mentioned? - How could services develop to help? - How can Occupational Therapists help?
Newspaper articles can be sensationalized.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

16. References
College of Occupational Therapists. (2017). Improving Lives, Saving Money. Available from: [26/02/2017]
Gigantesco, A., Girolamo, G., Santone, G., Miglio, R., & Picardi, A. (2009) Long-stay in short-stay inpatient facilities: risk factors and barriers to discharge. BMC Public Health 9:306.
Glasby J and Lester H (2005) On the Inside: A Narrative Review of Mental Health Inpatient Services. British Journal of Social Work 35(6):
Wilcock, A. & Townsend, E. (2009). Occupational justice. In E.B. Crepeau, E.S. Cohn & B.A. Boyt Schell (Eds.), Willard & Spackman’s occupational therapy (11th ed., pp ). Baltimore: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). (2006). Position statement on human rights. Forrestfield Au: World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
#SOTLS @AlexThompsonOT

17. Thank you for your participation!
Feel free to contact ANY QUESTIONS?