title: Occupational therapy with people with depression: using nominal group technique to collate clinician opinion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This aim of this study was to obtain a consensus from clinicians regarding occupational therapy for people with depression, for the assessments and practices they use that are not currently supported by research evidence directly related to functional performance. The study also aimed to discover how many of these assessments and practices were currently supported by research evidence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following a previously reported systematic review of assessments and practices used in occupational therapy for people with depression, a modified nominal group technique was used to discover which assessments and practices occupational therapists currently utilize. Three online surveys gathered initial data on therapeutic options (survey 1), which were then ranked (survey 2) and re-ranked (survey 3) to gain the final consensus. Twelve therapists completed the first survey, whilst 10 clinicians completed both the second and third surveys.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 30% of the assessments and practices identified by the clinicians were supported by research evidence. A consensus was obtained on a total of 35 other assessments and interventions. These included both occupational-therapy-specific and generic assessments and interventions. Principle conclusion. Very few of the assessments and interventions identified were supported by research evidence directly related to functional performance. While a large number of options were generated, the majority of these were not occupational therapy specific.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Science and Therapy, Deakin University , Geelong , Australia.
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hitch
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Genevieve
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pepin
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: depression; evidence-based practice; mental health; occupational therapy practice; practice guidelines