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Stress and burnout is a problem becoming increasingly prevalent amongst occupational therapists, particularly those working in mental health. By the nature of the profession, occupational therapists are at risk for high levels of stress, which can lead to burnout from the profession. This may affect job retention and recruitment in the area of mental health. This study aimed to measure the levels of stress and burnout experienced by a range of occupational therapists working in mental health, using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). These results were compared to demographic variables, in order to compare stress and burnout to personal and work variables. The 21 therapists surveyed had a mean stress level of 13, as measured on the PSS. This correlates with results from a study evaluating the mean stress level of a normal population. Levels of burnout showed that occupational therapists working in mental health experience moderate levels of emotional exhaustion, low depersonalisation, and high personal accomplishment. These results indicate that therapists can feel emotionally overextended, but it does not bleed into other areas that may lead to burnout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hand splinting after stroke is a common practice despite inadequate evidence. This warrants a better understanding of the therapists' splinting practice, to develop clinically meaningful treatment options., Aims: The study examined the nature and prevalence of the factors associated with therapists' hand splinting practice and their perceived splinting efficacy., Settings and Design: A cross-sectional national survey of hand-splinting practice among inpatient occupational therapists (OTs) in Ireland., Materials and Methods: Sixty-two therapists participated in this national survey., Statistical Analysis Used: A number of factors were analyzed to explore their relationship with therapists' perception of splint efficacy using Spearman's rank order correlation., Results: 53(85.5%) out of 62 survey respondents prescribed splints to their clients at the time of taking the survey. To reduce spasticity, to correct contractures and thus increase range of motion (ROM) were the commonly used splinting goals. These were the goals that were significantly associated with the therapists' splinting efficacy too., Conclusions: Hand-splint prescription following stroke was found to be a common practice among OTs who perceive splints to be quite effective. A custom-made, volar forearm-based wrist-hand splint is the preferred splint among therapists to achieve a number of clinical aims such as improving ROM, stretching soft tissue contractures and reducing spasticity in the upper extremity. A wide variety of splinting regimens is currently practiced, reflecting the lack of a universally accepted and comprehensive practice guideline to regulate therapy. Methodologically valid clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of therapist-preferred splints in achieving their favored outcomes are needed. Development of common, universally accepted therapeutic guidelines based on comprehensive scientific review of such studies is thus needed.