In order to assist in the recovery process of clients, it is important to provide a stimulating environment (Mental Health Commission, 1998). A stimulating environment will encourage them to participate in activities and therefore increase their hope that they will feel 'normal' again and can recover.
However, in an acute inpatient mental health ward it can be very difficult to provide this stimulating environment due to a lack of funding and resources.
Usually, in an acute mental health ward their is only one occupational therapist working. They have extensive roles, including assessing client's, coordinating client's participation in occupation and attending meetings (NZAOT, 2005). As OT's have such a busy schedule, it can be difficult to provide a constant, active ward programme with activities on throughout the day.
In order to run a full day programme, an activity coordinator would need to be employed to run groups, and possibly more occupational therapists. Nurses and mental health aides would also need to be willing to help out, to ensure the group programme was meaningful and run effectively.
If a full day programme was run, clients would not be expected to attend every single group, however they should attend the groups that are meaningful to them, or that would directly enhance their recovery. The clients would share in the decision making about which groups to attend (Lloyd, Waghorn, & Williams, 2008).
In the case where there is only one OT working on the ward, they may be able to incorporate some group activities into the daily timetable but they must also make time for individual assessment and treatment. They also need to set aside time for paperwork and meetings.
This can lead to other inpatients getting bored which can create a negative environment. This may even increase the amount of conflict experienced on the ward and will certainly not enhance a clients recovery as they will not be so encouraged to keep busy and take part in activities.
More soon!
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