Peer-Reviewed Journal Article: Patients’ experience
of groups in outpatient mental health services and its significance for daily
occupations
I chose this article because I wanted to learn more about
the client’s (or patient) view of occupational therapy group intervention. When
I initially read the abstract, it sounded interesting and would allow me to
step into the role of the client and understand their perspective. This is
important for any OT clinician to remember because in order for our treatment
to be effective, we must understand our clients enough to make our
interventions client-centered. The focus of this study was to understand and
explore outpatients in the mental healthcare realm experience occupational
therapy treatment groups and what affect it had on his or her daily occupations.
In the introduction of this article, the researchers point
out that there are many ways in which an individual can benefit from group
therapy including: a natural learning environment, many possibilities for
interaction, energy and creativity that group members may offer to one another,
symptom reduction, communication skills, engage in problems related to their
daily occupations and learning about one’s concept of their self. As I continue
to read the article, I’m interested to see if the participants identify the
same benefits or if they are able to identify more or different benefits of
group intervention.
This study was conducted by separating participants into
four different focus groups. As stated in this article, previous evidence has
shown that focus-group studies are suitable in researching client’s experiences
of psychiatric treatment. The study was conducted at two different outpatient
mental health facilities. The participants were recruited voluntary and
should’ve attended at least one of the units for at least 2 months and belong
to a group where all of the members had approved participating in the study. In
total, fourteen clients participated, their average age was 36 and all but one
participant was female.
Two main categories were discussed in the groups: factors
for positive change and changes in daily occupations. The factors for positive
change included: timing, belonging, involvement, challenge, meaningful
occupation and balanced focus on disease. The change in daily occupations was
to manage and dare more. The participants expressed that these changes that
were facilitated by their group sessions helped to increase their ability to
use their “competence and possibilities” which helped to transfer these skills
into real life outside of the group sessions.
One factor of positive change that was pointed out in this article that
I found interesting was the balanced focus on disease. While it is easy to
focus on the negative symptoms of a disease, it’s also important to consider the
positive – the healthy aspects of an individual. I think by doing this, it can
completely change the mindset of an individual and allow them to open their
mind to look at themselves and others in a different way!
Although no general conclusions can be drawn from this study
because of it’s qualitative context, it’s important to consider the themes and
experiences of the focus groups. One interesting point the researchers make in
this article is the timing of occupational therapy group intervention and it’s
important it be offered and implemented at an appropriate time for an
individual. This study helps us to understand how group participation if used
at the right time, for the right person with the right group of individuals can
be effective for those with similar diagnosis or conditions. I believe this
study is a great reflection to help both myself and other OT students and
clinicians about the OT group process from a client’s perspective.
Sundsteigen, B., Eklund, K., & Dahlin-Ivanoff, S.
(2009). Patients' experience of groups in outpatient mental health services and
its significance for daily occupations. Scandinavian Journal Of Occupational
Therapy, 16(3), 172-180. doi:
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