Evaluating the Recovery Through Activity Framework used by occupational therapy in Mental Health Services

Cole, Savanna 2024. Evaluating the Recovery Through Activity Framework used by occupational therapy in Mental Health Services. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This thesis evaluates the implementation of Recovery Through Activity (Parkinson 2014) as used by occupational therapists in NHS Adult Mental Health Services. Designed to support service users in recognising the long-term benefits of engaging in assorted occupations, Recovery Through Activity (Parkinson 2014) incorporates a diverse range of occupational areas. It provides occupational therapists with a flexible resource and evidence base to support activity-focused interventions. Utilising a case study approach, this research explores both face-to-face and virtual implementations of Recovery Through Activity (Parkinson 2014), adapted to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. It explores the experiences of occupational therapists using Recovery Through Activity (Parkinson 2014), the challenges associated with an occupationally focused approach, and the effectiveness of various intervention outcome measurement tools. Insights from a service user with experience in both implementation methods, enrich the study with their unique perspective. This study is framed within a bounded relativist ontology and interpretivist theoretical perspective. This stance suggests that individuals construct their own realities and meanings within their occupations. This philosophical framework supports a detailed examination of Recovery Through Activity (Parkinson 2014) and how occupational engagements are perceived and valued differently by individuals. Results from the face-to-face and virtual implementation case studies are analysed separately. The separate cases are then cross-examined to draw comprehensive conclusions about Recovery Through Activity’s (Parkinson 2014) impact on practice. These findings inform a discussion on the wider implications of the research for occupational therapy. This discussion emphasises the adaptability of occupational therapy practices in response to external challenges, as well as the ongoing need to enhance and develop occupation-based interventions. This thesis not only contributes to academic understanding but also to practical approaches in mental health occupational therapy. It advocates continued innovation and evaluation of occupational therapy practices

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 March 2025
Last Modified:	04 Mar 2025 10:09
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/176577

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