Occupational therapy in a medium secure intellectual disability and personality disorder service

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper pertains to the implementation of an occupational therapy service within a newly‐established medium secure service for 16 men with intellectual disabilities and additional diagnosis of personality disorder located in the North West of England.Design/methodology/approachThis is a general review, providing a descriptive account of the development and implementation of an occupational therapeutic provision for men residing in a medium secure unit with a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and personality disorder and a service user account of its efficacy.FindingsThe paper seeks to illustrate the efficacy of occupational therapy implemented by a specifically recruited and trained staff team, describing engagement in meaningful, bespoke programmes of occupation used to assist service users to address deficit areas via mutual engagement in activities, serving to facilitate the formation and development of positive and trusting relationships between service users and staff. The impact of the service is described from a service user's perspective.Originality/valueThere is very little literature relating to those with intellectual disability also diagnosed with personality disorder. There appears to be no specific study of occupational therapy amongst those with dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and personality disorder. This paper is therefore unique in its approach and provides an overview of both the process and method used to implement occupational therapy, as well as a service user perspective and an illustration of its efficacy in a medium secure setting.