Mental health care users’ perceptions and experiences of a hospital-based vocational rehabilitation programme in a rural setting
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Date
2018
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
Return to work is a recognised goal of rehabilitation by the occupational therapy discipline that is
addressed through vocational rehabilitation as a key feature of work practice. Programmes that fall
under the umbrella of vocational rehabilitation include work preparation and training, work
hardening and supported employment. In the case of mental health care users (MHCU),
meaningful employment contributes to their sense of identity and the prevention of relapse.
Vocational rehabilitation is thus important in preparing MHCU for self-employment or
employment in the community after they are discharged from the hospital. There is however a
dearth of literature pertaining to how vocational rehabilitation programmes particularly in a rural
setting, is experienced by MHCU in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore
the experiences and perceptions of MHCU regarding the usefulness of the vocational rehabilitation
programme at a rural hospital in enhancing their worker roles. A qualitative research approach and
exploratory descriptive research design was utilised. Purposive sampling was used to select
participants for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten MHCU participants
as well as two focus groups. Semi-structured interviews were furthermore conducted with two key
informants. All interviews and the focus group discussion were audio-recorded, transcribed
verbatim and analysed through thematic data analysis. Strategies implemented to ensure
trustworthiness included member checking and peer review. Ethics clearance was obtained from
the UWC Research Committee and permission to conduct the study at the hospital was requested
from the Mpumalanga Provincial Health Ethics Committee and hospital management. Three
themes originated from the findings of this study. Theme one describes the barriers experienced
by people with mental illness while returning to work. Theme two describes the programme factors
that influence return to work in respect of work habits, work skills, and community re-integration.
Theme three captures the value of participating in the work programme as experienced by the
participants. The findings of the study is related to the Model of The Ecology of Human
Performance (EHP) to show how the vocational rehabilitation programme effected the MHCU’s
return to work. The findings show that the context as well as the person’s skills and abilities are
very important factors in reintegrating the user back to work. The study illuminated
recommendations for the further development of the vocational rehabilitation programme.
Description
Magister Scientiae (Occupational Therapy) - MSc(OT)
Keywords
Mental health, Mental health care users, Occupational therapy, Vocational rehabilitation