How occupational therapists are perceived within inpatient mental health settings: The perceptions of seven Australian nurses

Abstract

Australian mental health services are transitioning from inpatient to community settings. The role of occupational therapy within the inpatient context is undergoing change, and uncertainties about the role may exist for other health professionals. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Australian nurses about the occupational therapy role within inpatient mental health services. Using a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews were used to gain an understanding of the perceptions of seven nurses working with occupational therapists, within three inpatient services. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Participants had worked as nurses for 4-32 years, and had worked with occupational therapists for 2-10 years. Five themes described the lived experiences of participants when working with occupational therapists: 'Guessing' illustrated how nurses felt they had to guess how to work with an occupational therapist, 'talking in a different language' described difficulties in communication, 'generalised perceptions and stereotypes' referred to beliefs held by participants about occupational therapy, 'anything's better than nothing' indicated the acceptance of the presence of occupational therapy to help with client management even if the role was not fully understood, and 'visibility and availability' explained how the presence of occupational therapy was perceived. Working with occupational therapists had forced change in the work practices and routines of many participants, especially those with longer nursing careers in mental health. All participants identified the need for increased communication and collaboration between occupational therapists and nurses, clear definitions of the occupational therapy role, and education about how they could better work with occupational therapists.