title: A qualitative study of service user experiences of occupation in forensic mental health.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative study explored occupational engagement of those detained in forensic units. Legal and institutional restrictions on occupation have implications for their health and wellbeing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six current forensic mental health service users participated in five focus groups, which were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to constant comparative analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The participants highlighted previous occupations, current occupations and hopes. Key aspects were control over decision-making, motivation and support, generating suggestions alongside positive experiences of occupational therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Institutional barriers could be overcome with a dynamic balance between risk management and mental health promotion through occupation. This demands a sustained focus on occupation for everyone involved in providing care and treatment in these settings.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, West London, UK. Wendy.bryant@brunel.ac.uk
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Craik
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Barclay
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brooke
authors.forename: Adele
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Russell
mesh_terms: D057237:Criminals / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009790:Occupations / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011330:Prisons / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012926:Social Control, Formal; D006113:United Kingdom