Boredom in inpatient mental healthcare settings: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction To identify the scope of existing literature exploring boredom experienced by those using inpatient mental health services, we conducted a scoping review. Method We performed a comprehensive literature search of four databases: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. This search resulted in 978 titles and abstracts, which were reviewed by two independent raters. Results A total of 19 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Inter-rater reliability was assessed (k = 0.719 (95% confidence interval 0.500 to 0.938), P < 0.05 (full-text)), resulting in a ‘good’ strength of agreement according to the Practical Statistics for Medical Research. A content analysis resulted in the identification of four primary themes: (a) boredom as an acknowledged problem in inpatient mental health settings; (b) consequences of boredom; (c) models for addressing boredom through meaningful activity; and (d) the occupational therapy role in addressing state and trait boredom. Conclusion Occupational therapists play an important role in addressing the boredom experienced by those receiving treatment for mental illness in hospital settings. Further empirical evidence is needed to develop a better understanding of the influence of boredom on inpatient service users’ mental health, and additional models need to be developed to address this persistent problem.