Occupational therapy driver assessments with mental health consumers: A mixed-methods study.

Introduction: Driving is an important occupation, which enables other recovery goals for adult mental health consumers. Multidisciplinary clinicians can support consumers to engage in safe driving practices, which may include referral to a specialist occupational therapy driver assessor. There is presently limited evidence to inform us about the role of occupational therapy driver assessors in mental health and the impact of such services for consumers.

A pilot study using "apps" as a novel strategy for the management of challenging behaviors seen in people living in residential care.

Background: Many adults living in residential care will demonstrate challenging behaviors. Non-pharmacological strategies are recommended as first-line treatment. Using applications (apps) is a novel approach to managing these behaviors, and has yet to be assessed in this group.

Can a short internet training program improve social isolation and self-esteem in older adults with psychiatric conditions?

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an educational training course on using the internet and touchscreen technology (TT) would decrease social isolation and improve self-esteem in residents living in a low-level residential facility. Twelve sessions over six weeks with two facilitators were provided to five participants with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Measures were completed before and after the 12 sessions.

Supporting safe driving practices among consumers of mental health services: guidelines for assessment.

Driving is often omitted or ignored during assessment and ongoing work with consumers of mental health services. This Open Forum describes guidelines to help providers of psychiatric services to support safe driving practices among consumers. The guidelines were developed over seven years with contributions from a wide range of stakeholders.