Elizabeth McKay

Perspectives of day and accommodation services for people with enduring mental illness

Background: This qualitative study analysed user, carer and staff perspectives on day and accommodation services for people with enduring mental illness in the London Borough of Hillingdon. Method: Twelve focus groups, attended by 95 participants, were conducted by the independent research team and the data collected were subject to constant comparative analysis. Findings: Practical and strategic recommendations were generated for the funding agency. Day services were valued highly for preventing relapse and promoting independence. Users sought a more active role in developing opportunities in day and accommodation services and staff were believed to hold a pivotal role in offering ongoing support. Conclusions: In the area studied, facilitating discharge, managing risk and meeting shelter needs had been emphasized at the expense of user empowerment and access to meaningful occupation. Day and accommodation services enable users with enduring mental illness to achieve stability and increase independence, but are currently under-resourced and undermined by wider service pressures.

Exploring the Impact of Sleep Apnoea on Daily Life and Occupational Engagement

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has significant implications for a persons health, wellbeing and occupational engagement, but has received almost no attention from occupational therapists. Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore nine peoples experience of living with OSA. The Occupational Performance History Interview-II was used to collect data. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Findings: Through thematic analysis, one core theme was identified: ‘OSA is a life-changing condition’. From this, five subthemes emerged: the impact of OSA on (i) occupational participation, (ii) psychological wellbeing, (iii) relationships, (iv) executive functioning and (v) treatment issues. These findings reveal a myriad of difficulties in daily life and occupational performance. In addition, they highlight the potentially serious implications for individuals living with sleep disorders. Conclusion: From this study, it is clear people with OSA face challenges with their daily life and occupational engagement. This suggests an important role for occupational therapy in empowering people to manage their condition. Further research is warranted examining sleep and occupational performance, and education on sleep and sleep hygiene for practice.

Using Population-Level Time Use Datasets to Advance Knowledge of Human Activity, Participation and Health

Time use is of enduring interest to occupational therapists and occupational scientists. However, occupational researchers have yet to exploit fully the potential of large population-level time use datasets. A brief overview of the historical development and current activities within time use research internationally is presented. Whilst acknowledging the challenging nature of this type of research, the authors explore some of the opportunities offered by the secondary analysis of large time use datasets for occupational therapy and occupational science researchers who seek to advance knowledge of human activity, participation and health.

Supervising role emerging placements: a CPD opportunity that supports innovation in practice

ABSTRACT Supervision of occupational therapy students on placements is a challenging, but rewarding experience. There is a growing body of literature related to role emerging placements but the experiences of the occupational therapists who undertake the role of off-site supervisors are underrepresented. These placements are based in settings where there is no defined occupational therapy role and the professional supervisor is not based at the placement site. Drawing from research in two European countries with off-site supervisors the enablers and barriers of this role are presented. Supervising students with innovative occupational therapy interventions positively influenced the off-site supervisors’ professional practice. Practical guidance for those interested in this role is shared to encourage occupational therapists to pursue this rewarding role including the need for peer support while undertaking this valuable role.