Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Although the value of occupational therapy (OT) in psychiatric rehabilitation is indisputable, little is known about the range
of OT interventions attended by long-term in-patient populations. The aim of this study was to gather baseline information on which
of the various OT interventions were attended the most frequently.
METHODS: This study presents an audit of OT offered to 264 long-term in-patients at Weskoppies Hospital over eight months. The inpatients’
attendance at various OT interventions was used to identify their patterns and frequency of participation.
RESULTS: The most frequently attended OT interventions were (descending): Group OT in the OT department (high-functioning women);
industrial therapy (men); woodwork-and-upholstery (men); group OT in the wards (low-functioning men); and clerical therapy (highfunctioning
patients). On the whole, attendance at OT was low.
CONCLUSIONS: The current OT profile favours high-functioning and male patients. Low-functioning-female patients are neglected. Future
OT efforts should focus on low-functioning long-term in-patients, particularly low-functioning-female patients.
