Date of Award

6-2024

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

M. Abbey Glenn OTD, OTR/L, BCG, ECHM

Abstract

This research project examined the development of and staff training using a discharge manual aimed at improving transition outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) within a forensic psychiatric setting. The manual, tailored to the needs of patients at Arizona State Hospital (ASH), addresses barriers to community reintegration through the provision of occupation-based interventions and resources. Occupational therapists (OTs) played a central role in the project, emphasizing the importance of meaningful activities in promoting independence and well-being among individuals with SMI in an effort to reduce recidivism. Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals underscored the holistic approach to mental health care. While statistical analysis did not yield significant results, the rise in mean scores observed in pre- and post-training surveys among participants suggests that the manual was perceived as effective in addressing patient needs. Limitations, including a small sample size and potential bias, are acknowledged, suggesting avenues for future research. Overall, this study highlights the crucial role of tailored interventions and interdisciplinary collaboration in improving discharge outcomes for individuals with SMI in forensic psychiatric settings.

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