A qualitative study of service user experiences of occupation in forensic mental health.
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.
Craik
Christine
C
School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, West London, UK. Wendy.bryant@brunel.ac.uk
Bryant
Wendy
W
Ryan
Amanda
A
Barclay
Samantha
S
Brooke
Nicole
N
Mason
Adele
A
Russell
Peter
P
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