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Self-management strategies have been identified as having a key role in supporting mental health and preventing mental illness. Evidence suggests that spending time in nature, experiencing or viewing artwork and accessing sensory rooms all support self-management and positive mental health among varied clinical populations. This evidence informed the design of the sensory–art space (SAS), an artistically designed multisensory environment, which drew on themes and images of nature.The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceived benefits of the SAS among members of a university community.A maximum variation approach to sampling was used, and 18 participants were included in this qualitative study. Data were gathered via semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.The findings presented six themes. The two core themes were: it’s like another world, and easy to focusand describe how the SAS produced the beneficial effects described in the four remaining themes of: emotionally nutritious, meditative effects, relaxationand therapeutic.Participants identified beneficial effects of the SAS that were consistent with the evidence for other self-management strategies. The identified benefits also aligned with existing theories suggesting that the SAS functioned as a restorative environment. This study is the first to explore the experience of art in a multisensory and multidimensional capacity, which further contributes to the growing field of receptive engagement with the arts for health outcomes.

AbstractThe efficacy of role-play simulation (RPS) education rests on its ability to comprehensively reflect real-life situations. The goal is to create immersive events or situations that enable a student to spontaneously respond in a controlled environment that nevertheless reflects their anticipated work experience. While an extensive body of literature exists that reports on the aims, working methods and outcomes of RPS across empirically based disciplines such as medicine and health, law, business, social work, engineering, management, and education, very little research has been published on appropriate or possible training models for the ‘actors’ in RPS. Reporting on a multi-part, interdisciplinary action research project based at the University of Newcastle, Australia, across the subject areas of drama and pharmacy (2012), and later occupational therapy (2013–18), this article examines an actor-training method that reimagines approaches to developing ‘role’ and ‘character’ in RPS and evaluates the outcomes for student learning.

High levels of lifestyle risk factors compound medication side effects, resulting in high rates of obesity among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Obesity and related comorbidities increase the levels of disability and disadvantage in this population. Little research has explored the lived experiences in relation to this issue, and less has considered the experiences of women. Our aim in this study was to understand the experiences of women who gained weight after their diagnosis and treatment for SSDs. We carried out up to three in-depth qualitative interviews with 11 women over 2 years. Data were analyzed using constructivist grounded theory procedures. The women described a “double whammy”–like experience whereby weight gain and obesity came with their diagnosis and treatment of an SSD and brought with it additional challenges. The double whammy parallels the co-occurrence of mental illness and substance misuse. Implications of these parallels for service provision are discussed.

Introduction Individual placement and support is recognized as current best practice vocational rehabilitation for people living with a severe mental illness. This study aimed to provide insight into the consumer perspective of factors that impact the success of an individual placement and support programme in Australia.Method A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with five participants. Participants were diagnosed with a severe mental illness and were engaged with an individual placement supported employment programme in one area health service in New South Wales, Australia. Data analysis was conducted using grounded theory methods.Results Analysis revealed the core category of pushing through, a three-step process that involved experiencing discomfort, learning to adapt, and getting into a groove. Pushing through described the participants' direct experience of individual placement and support, as well as their management of their health and ability to cope with everyday practicalities and relationships while engaged in the programme.Conclusions The participants in this study described their experiences of being involved in an individual placement and support programme as being characterized by a process of pushing through. The participants' actions and experiences at each stage of this process provide cues for more tailored support within individual placement and support to meet changing needs.

Introduction People living with severe mental illness are at least twice as likely to be obese as the general population, partly due to lifestyle risk factors including poor diet quality. This study aims to quantify how Australian mental health occupational therapists address the dietary issues of people with severe mental illness.Method A 23-item cross-sectional online survey was distributed via email to all members of Occupational Therapy Australia, with those working in mental health (an estimated 305 members) invited to participate. Response frequencies were analysed in SPSS. Open-ended comments were subjected to thematic analysis.Results Eight-six eligible participants (28.2% of the target population) completed the full survey. Most (81%) felt confident in providing healthy eating advice, with 76% reporting being self-educated about nutrition. Dietitian support for complex advice was seen as beneficial by 88%, but only 30% reported reasonable access to dietitians. Qualitative themes included: accessing dietitians, information and education, and putting advice into practice.Conclusion There is potential to enhance the credentialling and continuing education of occupational therapists and improve inter-professional collaboration with dietitians to assist the occupational therapist in achieving better health and reducing the burden of chronic disease for people experiencing severe mental illness.

Introduction The use of simulated patients is well established in medicine and nursing. There is little research evaluating the use of simulated patients in occupational therapy education and none which focuses on mental health. This study sought to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of using simulated patients in a mental health occupational therapy course. The pilot also sought to address the challenge of providing simulation experience to a large number of students in a cost and time effective manner.Method Occupational therapy students participated in a simulation which involved an initial interview assessment with an actor portraying a person with a mental health diagnosis. The students worked in small groups for the simulation, rotating into the therapist role using a carousel model. Students completed a survey about their experience of the simulation.Results The students rated the simulation experience highly in terms of authenticity and learning outcomes. Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses produced five themes: authentic experience, developing skills, feedback and reflection, we should do more of this, and developing the experience further.Conclusion The pilot was effective in allowing a large number of students to engage directly with the simulated patient without negatively impacting on the experience.

Self-management strategies that enhance positive emotions are considered most effective to cope with stress and maintain good mental health and well-being. An artistically designed multisensory environment, The Sensory-Art Space (SAS), was installed in a university in NSW Australia as a new self-management intervention. The design of the SAS was informed by evidence regarding the benefits of viewing art, experiencing nature and accessing sensory rooms.A pilot pre–post intervention study measured changes in affect and perceived stress in 224 participants who spent time in the SAS. Descriptive statistics were completed on the individual affective states, and paired sample t-tests were used to determine changes in Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS-X) and perceived stress (Visual Analogue Scale).The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that negative affect reduced, z=−10.23 (p<0.001), and positiveaffect increased, z=−2.57 (p=0.01), following spending time in the SAS. In addition, stress levels reduced after time spent in the SAS, z=−11.29 (p<0.0001).Self-management benefits were found following time in the SAS and future implications for public health and well-being are discussed.