Implementing the Model of Human Occupation across a mental health occupational therapy service: Communities of practice and a Participatory Change Process
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Date
2010-11Author
Wimpenny, Katherine
Forsyth, Kirsty
Jones, Catherine
Matheson, Lorna
Colley, Julie
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Wimpenny, K., Forsyth, K., Jones, C., Matheson, L. & Colley, J. (2010) Implementing the Model of Human Occupation across a mental health occupational therapy service: Communities of practice and a Participatory Change Process, British Journal of Occupational Therapy, vol. 73, , pp. 507-516,
Abstract
The implementation of evidence-based change in practice settings is complex and far reaching, but only limited research has been undertaken in this area. This participatory action research study investigated the implementation of the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) across a mental health occupational therapy service. Method: The study involved preparatory workshops and 12 months of team-based, monthly group reflective supervision sessions, facilitated by a colleague from academia, with follow-up contact for a further 12 months. Findings: The main findings emphasise the importance of developing a critical learning space, or 'community of practice', and identify that barriers to theory implementation can be overcome by collective effort with a shared dialectic. The successful development of a community of practice required the careful consideration of a number of interconnected influences, including those of self, peer and facilitator, and contextual and theoretical relationships. Conclusion: The study concluded that the community of practice was central in supporting the effective implementation of MOHO and its associated assessment tools. A key output of the study is a Participatory Change Process, which illustrates the key steps undertaken and interrelated factors affecting theory uptake. The process requires further testing, but has potential to guide theory implementation in other settings. The College of Occupational Therapists Ltd. Our Research Report for 2000-2002 reflects an outstanding level of achievement throughout the institution and demonstrates once again our high level of commitment to strategic and applied research particularly in areas that enhance the quality of life.