Introduction / Rationale: Occupational therapy in mental health focuses on the central concept of meaningful activity as a therapeutic tool, aiming to support patient recovery by promoting the development and maintenance of positive behaviors and preventing relapses.
Objectives: This cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of a structured occupational therapy program on patients with psychiatric disorders hospitalized in an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit.
Methods / Approach: Patients were referred to the occupational therapy program within the first week of admission, following approval from the multidisciplinary team. The program consisted of three daily therapeutic groups: (a) therapeutic activities involving arts and materials, (b) cognitive restructuring, and (c) peer support, communication, and social skills training, each lasting 60 minutes. The Occupational Abilities and Performance Scale (OAPS) was administered to assess the program’s impact one week after the patients' first participation in the groups and two days before discharge.
Results / Practice Implications: A total of 397 patients participated in the study, with a mean age of 40.86 years (SD = 15.29) and an average hospitalization duration of 35.44 days (SD = 3.39). The mean OAPS score per patient at the initial assessment was 85.80 (SD = 24.99), while at the final assessment, it increased to 110.14 (SD = 26.59). Additionally, patients who participated in the program for at least eight days were 74.6% more likely to show improvement in functionality and task performance.
Conclusion / Contribution to the occupational therapy profession: Structured occupational therapy programs play a crucial role in the recovery of patients in Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Units, enhancing occupational performance and overall well-being.