Building capacity in mental health occupational therapy

Project details

This partnership aims to support all members of the occupational therapy workforce to participate in evidence based practice, research and knowledge translation activities, to ensure quality service provision and better outcomes for consumers. A program of practice based research is currently being undertaken across all areas of NorthWestern Mental Health, pursuing priorities which have been identified by both clinicians and consumers.

Research outcomes

• Embedding of evidence into practice throughout NorthWestern Mental Health by the implementation of innovations such as the WORKS vocational rehabilitation program, the Action over Inertia manualised program, sensory modulation interventions in community settings and an exercise physiology program at Orygen Youth Mental Health
• $150,000 in successful grant, award and fellowship applications
• Presentation of multiple papers at State, National and International Conferences
• Finalist in the Melbourne Health Excellence Award (Innovation) 2014-2016
• Letter of commendation from the The MHS Service Awards 2015
• Highly commended for Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Partnerships, Deakin University

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Lead

Dr Danielle Hitch

Researchers

All members of the occupational therapy workforce are eligible to become members of this research team, as are consumers and carers.

Students

Higher Degree by Research Students from Deakin University contribute to this partnership.

Collaborators

This partnership is currently undertaking collaborative work with researchers from University of Melbourne, Monash University and Swinburne University.

It is also undertaking joint studies with other disciplines including social work, nursing and psychology. Co-production of evidence with consumers and carers is also a priority, and has been a valued part of this partnership to date.

Funding

This partnership is jointly funded by Deakin University and NorthWestern Mental Health.