A client-centred, occupation-based occupational therapy programme for adults with psychiatric diagnoses

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Client-Centred Care

Background:

• Occupational therapy interventions are crucial for individuals with psychiatric diagnoses aiming to improve functional independence.
• A client-centred, occupation-based approach tailors interventions to individual needs and goals, promoting engagement and meaningful participation.
• This study evaluated a specific program designed for college students and community members with psychiatric diagnoses.

Observation:

• The study utilized a pre-test/post-test design with 38 participants, including college students and community members.
• The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) assessed occupational performance before and after the intervention.
• Weekly activities were developed collaboratively to address academic, vocational, life skill, and leisure goals.

Findings:

• The client-centred, occupation-based occupational therapy program significantly increased participant satisfaction.
• Participants demonstrated improved performance in addressing identified occupational performance problems as measured by the COPM.
• The program positively impacted goal attainment across academic, vocational, life skill, and leisure domains.

Implications:

• Client-centred, occupation-based occupational therapy is an effective model for enhancing occupational performance and satisfaction in individuals with psychiatric conditions.
• The findings suggest this approach can be beneficial for improving academic, vocational, and life skills in diverse populations.
• Further research should explore the long-term impact and adaptability of these programs in various settings.