Psychiatrists’ Insights on Integrating Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Care: A Multisite Middle Eastern Study

Naser Alotaibi (), Hamad Alhamad, Haitham Jahrami, Muhammad O. Al-Heizan, Lujane Albaghli, Hasan Ashkanouni, Hashem Abu Tariah, Hamad Abouelhassan and Moh Alkhamis
Additional contact information
Naser Alotaibi: Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 31470, Sulaibekhat 90805, Kuwait
Hamad Alhamad: Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 31470, Sulaibekhat 90805, Kuwait
Haitham Jahrami: Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama P.O. Box 26671, Bahrain
Muhammad O. Al-Heizan: Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia
Lujane Albaghli: Occupational Therapy Department, Kuwait Center for Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 12009, Kuwait
Hasan Ashkanouni: Occupational Therapy Department, Kuwait Center for Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City 12009, Kuwait
Hashem Abu Tariah: Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan
Hamad Abouelhassan: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait
Moh Alkhamis: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 13110, Kuwait

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: Objective : The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, perception, attitude, and self-efficacy of psychiatrists regarding the role of occupational therapy in mental health practice. Materials and Methods : This study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine the perspectives of psychiatrists from various Middle Eastern countries on occupational therapy practice. A self-developed tool was mainly used to assess occupational therapy knowledge, autonomy, attitude, and self-efficacy. STATA version 16.0 was employed for all subsequent statistical analyses. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis and chi-square tests. Results : A total of 117 participants (psychiatrists) from various Middle Eastern countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, took part in this study. Overall, no significant differences were found between the sites in terms of knowledge and self-perception of occupational therapy autonomy, indicating a lack of understanding about the unique nature of occupational therapy as a distinct health care profession ( p -values > 0.05). However, this study’s participants demonstrated a positive attitude and self-efficacy towards occupational therapy. Conclusions : In order to promote the desired therapeutic outcomes, a referral form for occupational therapy, encompassing the main areas of intervention, was proposed. Such a referral form can help inform psychiatrists about the key components of occupational therapy services in mental health practice, thus facilitating the desired interprofessional collaboration and patient outcomes. This study’s implications and future directions are also discussed.

Keywords: interprofessional collaboration; referral; occupational therapy autonomy; Middle East; rehabilitation; mental health; psychiatry; multidisciplinary (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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