A feasibility study of the Redesigning Daily Occupations (ReDO^TM-10) programme in an Irish context

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Mental health services research
• Primary care innovation

Background:

• Primary mental healthcare in Ireland is underdeveloped despite high demand for services.
• General practitioners (GPs) frequently manage mild/moderate anxiety, depression, and psychological distress.
• Occupational therapists offer potential solutions through targeted interventions like the Redesigning Daily Occupations programme (ReDO-10).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of a future randomized controlled trial (RCT) for the ReDO-10 programme in Ireland.
• To identify contextual factors influencing the implementation of ReDO-10 in Irish primary care.

Main Methods:

• A multi-phase, mixed-method design was employed.
• Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from ReDO-10 participants (n=10), GPs (n=9), and occupational therapists (n=2).
• Key areas explored included acceptability, satisfaction, cultural fit, demand, recruitment, outcome measures, and randomization.

Main Results:

• The ReDO-10 programme was found to be acceptable to participants, who reported improved occupational patterns and valued the group format.
• GPs and occupational therapists expressed positive reception towards the intervention.
• Limitations related to time and resources within the Irish primary care setting were acknowledged.

Conclusions:

• The ReDO-10 programme demonstrates feasibility for exploration in a future RCT within Ireland.
• This study provides crucial contextual insights for future implementation and research of occupational therapy interventions in primary care.