Client perspectives on occupational therapy practice: are we truly client-centred?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Mental Health Services
• Client-Centred Practice

Background:

• Canadian occupational therapy guidelines emphasize client-centred practice.
• Hospital-based occupational therapy services in mental health settings are common.
• Previous research indicates a gap between theoretical client-centred models and practical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore mental health clients' lived experiences with hospital-based occupational therapy.
• To identify discrepancies between client-centred practice guidelines and actual client experiences.
• To understand client perspectives on barriers and facilitators to client-centred occupational therapy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design utilizing in-depth interviews.
• Two clients of a hospital-based mental health occupational therapy service were interviewed.
• Thematic analysis was employed to interpret client narratives.

Main Results:

• Clients perceived occupational therapy as prescriptive, lacking choice and individual focus.
• Prescriptive approaches diminished collaborative partnerships and client decision-making.
• Therapeutic value of occupation was reduced due to distancing from the client.

Conclusions:

• Significant challenges exist in implementing client-centred occupational therapy within current healthcare environments.
• Clients recommended increased focus on occupational choice, individual consideration, and supportive environments.
• Findings underscore the need for aligning practice with client-centred principles for effective occupational therapy.