A Photovoice study of user experiences of an occupational therapy department within an acute inpatient mental health setting

Introduction People admitted to acute mental health wards benefit from access to activities, but occupational therapy departments that are separate to wards have not been investigated from the user perspective. This research aimed to investigate how an occupational therapy department with specific facilities is experienced by service users in an outer London Borough acute mental health unit. Method Photovoice, a participatory visual method, was used. Over 10 weekly sessions, five service user participants used photography to answer the research question. A final set of images with corresponding statements outlining research themes was agreed. Findings: The participants experienced the occupational therapy department as a distinct therapeutic place where they could practise skills, try out choices and manage themselves, while engaged in relevant activities for their personal recovery. The most important aspect was the staff approach to enabling the service users to engage with the department resources. Conclusion Multiple reasons for users to engage with opportunities within the occupational therapy department were identified, revealing unique insights into the experiences of service users, facilitated by the participatory approach and visual method. Further research could develop ways of maximising occupationally and environmentally focused strategies used by staff to enhance services.