Barriers and facilitators of participation in intervention research by mental health occupational therapists

Statement of context: Occupational therapists in clinical practice are required to deliver interventions within clinical trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions. Challenges to participation in intervention research by occupational therapists working in community mental health have been identified and require further investigation. Critical reflection on practice: A cross-sectional online survey of occupational therapists working in mental health was used, and obtained a 50% (n=144) response rate. Limited time, large generic caseloads, and lack of skills and experience in research were identified barriers to participation in occupational therapy intervention research. Occupational therapists had limited dedicated time to carry out occupational therapy interventions and outcome measurement was limited. Implications for practice: Occupational therapy roles need to be regained in adult community mental health alongside routine outcome measurement. This will enable occupational therapy interventions to contribute to community mental health services and support participation in clinical trials of occupational therapy interventions.