The 2009 world team of mental health occupational therapists: a resilient and dedicated workforce

Abstract

The WFOT International Advisory Group on Mental Health (IAG: MH) utilised a cross-sectional survey design pilot study to examine mental health occupational therapy practice in a sample of ten officially participating countries. Two of these countries withdrew due to logistical difficulties. Quantitative and qualitative findings described the experiences of mental health OTs in the areas of clinical service provision, collaborative approaches to care, availability of resources, workforce recruitment and retention, and perception of the future of mental health occupational therapy. Findings demonstrated the importance of positive mental health fieldwork experience as a critical factor in workforce retention. Mental health OTs recognised the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to effect improved client outcomes and to optimise available resources. While survey respondents identified a number of ongoing challenges to service provision, they believed that mental health occupational therapy is a growing area of OT practice. Respondents demonstrated a resilient and dedicated attitude to service provision in the face of global economic downturn.