Browsing by Person "Meiklejohn, Alison"

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Mental health vocational rehabilitation - occupational therapists perceptions of individual placement and support
(Mark Allen Publishing LTD, 2012-04) Baxter, Claire; Prior, Susan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Maciver, Donald; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda; Walsh, Mike
Research purpose: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) has been the focus of recent government policy, which outlines objectives to support individuals with mental illness into work. To provide such support, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) as one approach, is frequently referred to. This has ignited both discussion and research within the occupational therapy (OT) profession to re-examine its contribution to VR and consider IPS as part of its practice. Aim: To explore Occupational Therapists' (OTs) perceptions about their role within mental health (MH) VR and IPS. Method: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews. The interview transcripts were subject to thematic framework analysis. Findings: The findings revealed similarities and compatibility with OT and IPS. Participants acknowledged the value of IPS for clients who wish to obtain paid employment but also in line with professional values, recognise the value of all worker roles, paid and unpaid. Conclusion: The findings are congruent with discursive literature regarding OT and VR. Consideration given by OTs to the uniqueness and complexities of work as an occupation reinforces their distinct contribution to VR and could extend to IPS. Further research is needed to verify and extend this study's findings.
Readiness for Employment: Perceptions of Mental Health Service Users
(Springer, 2013-12-19) Prior, Susan; Maciver, Donald; Forsyth, Kirsty; Walsh, Mike; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda
Work is good for both physical and mental health, and access to work is a basic human right. People with mental health conditions want to work and with the right support can work but are often excluded from the workplace. We explored factors influencing individual's perceptions of their readiness for employment. Participants' narratives focused particularly on personal causation and it's interreactions with other aspects of volition, habituation and the environment and highlight a number of key areas, which are discussed in relation to service provision. Sheltered workshops offer support and some structure and routine but may limit an individual's readiness for employment. Services should be evidence based and focused on real work opportunities which fit with individual's interests and values. Occupational therapy theory offers a unique and valuable perspective in understanding perceptions of readiness for employment and occupational therapists offer valid and useful assessments and interventions for vocational rehabilitation.
Vocational rehabilitation: facilitating evidence based practice through participatory action research
(Informa Healthcare, 2013-04-15) Maciver, Donald; Prior, Susan; Forsyth, Kirsty; Meiklejohn, Alison; Irvine, Linda; Walsh, Mike; Pentland, Duncan
Background: Improving vocational rehabilitation in line with the current evidence base is an area of considerable interest. Aims: To describe the strategies used by a multidisciplinary team in the initial stages of a participatory action research (PAR) approach to improving a vocational rehabilitation service. Method: A literature review and PAR process were completed. One hundred and fifteen participants engaged in multifaceted data collection and analysis, building consensus around key principles for a new vocational rehabilitation service. Results: A synthesis of our literature review and PAR process was developed into a set of principles for practice which we plan to implement across the service. Conclusions: We have developed methodologies in interdisciplinary collaborations spanning statutory and non-statutory services. We have developed a set of principles for practice and detailed plans for implementation are being drawn up to inform provision in the future.