‘We are not vocational trainers’: Indian occupational therapists’ experiences of working in mental health settings

ABSTRACT

Despite being one of the key areas for practice in occupational therapy, very little is known about occupational therapy practice in mental health settings in India. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Indian occupational therapists working in mental health settings, through a phenomenological approach. The primary investigator conducted in-depth, semi-structured telephonic interviews with 12 occupational therapists working in varied mental health settings across the country as part of the study. Findings highlighted the perceptions of occupational therapists working in mental health settings along with the commonly used assessments and interventions, and experiences of working with other health professionals. Challenges faced by the therapists due to staff shortage, lack of higher professional qualifications, and limited research evidence to guide practice were also revealed. The study findings underscore the need to address these issues to enhance occupational therapy practice in Indian mental health settings.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials Registry India identifier: CTRI/2020/07/026774.

KEYWORDS:

• Mental health
• Indian context
• qualitative research
• occupational therapy
• professional identity

Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to our participants for sharing their views on the topic and helping us learn from their experiences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).