Developing research capacity and partnerships in mental health occupational therapy

Recovering Ordinary Lives – the strategy for occupational therapy in mental health services 2007–2017 (College of Occupational Therapists 2006) was reviewed in 2014. Over 200 occupational therapists from the United Kingdom (UK) participated and highlighted a major concern about the lack of research evidence base (Smyth 2014). As a result of this the College of Occupational Therapists (COT) and its Specialist Section – Mental Health carried out a survey in 2015 to explore occupational therapists views about how to best develop research capacity and partnerships in mental health (Smyth 2015). After ethical clearance from COT, a survey monkey tool was developed, circulated by email to occupational therapists working in mental health in the UK. 145 occupational therapists responded and the results were analysed by COT and its Specialist Section – Mental Health. The respondents indicated three areas of activity would boost research capacity and partnerships: opportunities to network and make links with research orientated colleagues opportunities to develop research skills including formal training and opportunities for better coordination of research leaders. In response to the findings, this workshop aims to allow delegates to explore strategies to develop research capacity and partnerships. It will use principles of action learning which involves working on real life challenges in a supportive environment (Leonard and Marquardt 2010). Delegates will work in small groups to share skills, experiences and knowledge for developing fresh ideas related to research skills and capacity development. They will be guided through the action learning process to identify achievable short and long term personal targets. This will enable them to maximise the opportunities for themselves and their colleagues both within their local area and via online media. The workshop will end with delegates committing to carrying out their personal targets on their return to the workplace.