The implementation of a new conceptual framework for occupational engagement in forensic settings: feasibility and application to occupational therapy practice
| Pages | 308-319 |
| Date | 10 December 2018 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-03-2018-0007 |
| Published date | 10 December 2018 |
| Author | Karen Morris,Kath Ward |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health |
The implementation of a new conceptual
framework for occupational engagement in
forensic settings: feasibility and application
to occupational therapy practice
Karen Morris and Kath Ward
Abstract
Purpose –Facilitation of genuine occupational engagement rather than a more superficial level of
participation that has minimal therapeutic benefit is a challenge within secure mental health settings.
The purpose of this paper is to develop, pilot and evaluate therapeutic tools based on a framework of
occupational engagement.
Design/methodology/approach –The study used action research with occupational therapists from two
secure residential units. Focus group discussions gathered participants’views of how the occupational
engagement framework could be used to inform a therapeutic tool. Following the development and piloting of
the subsequent tools, focus groups were again used to review their usefulness in practice. Discussions were
audio recorded and thematically analysed.
Findings –Three tools were designed and piloted. Evaluation revealed a number of benefits and different
ways in which the tools could be used in practice.
Research limitations/implications –This research has indicated that the occupational engagement
framework has potential for increasing understanding of the relationship between the value and
consequences of participating in occupations. The limited timescale of the research restricted the
opportunity to fully explore the tools’potential effectiveness as outcome measures.
Practical implications –The clinical tools developed within this research have provided some information to
the clinical teams which has contributed to their understanding of how service users experience participating
in occupations.
Originality/value –The occupational engagement framework and resulting tools have the potential to
enhance understanding of occupational engagement within secure settings.
Keywords Occupational therapy, Secure settings, Action research, Occupational engagement,
Therapeutic tools
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Occupational therapists are core members of the multidisciplinary team within forensic mental
health services (Holder and Souza, 2016). Their interventions take into account how criminal
occupations impact on the lifestyle and wellbeing of their service users (Cronin-Davis et al., 2004)
and consequently address the behaviour that gave rise to the individual’s admission (Martin,
2003). Through the provision of personal meaningful activity, occupational therapists have a key
role in promoting recovery and reducing the risk of future offending (RCOT, 2017b).
Despite their knowl edge and skills, ther e are a number of challen ges for occupational
therapists working in forensic settings. As admissions to secure units are often lengthy
(Duncan, 2011), it is important that therapeutic programmes evolve to maintain interest and
motivation over ti me (Farnworth et al., 2004). Wellbeing is a subjective positive experience
Received 20 March 2018
Revised 17 September 2018
Accepted 2 October 2018
The authors would like to thank the
occupational therapistsfrom the two
secure unitsfor their contributions to
this research. The projectwas
funded bythe University of Cumbria
–Researchand Scholarship
Development Fund.
Karen Morris is Principal
Lecturer (Rehabilitation) at the
University of Cumbria,
Carlisle, UK.
Kath Ward is based at the
University of Cumbria,
Carlisle, UK.
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MENTALHEALTH REVIEW JOURNAL
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VOL. 23 NO. 4 2018, pp. 308-319, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1361-9322 DOI 10.1108/MHRJ-03-2018-0007
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