Erin F Rees1, Priscilla Ennals2,3,4, Ellie Fossey4,5. 1. The Royal Melbourne Hospital - North Western Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 2. Neami National, Preston, VIC, Australia. 3. Department of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Social Policy, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 4. Department of Occupational Therapy, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. 5. Living With Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
Introduction: A time-use focused intervention, Action Over Inertia (AOI) designed to address restricted activity patterns and support recovery, was adapted for use in Australian community residential mental health services. Method: Qualitative case study research explored the use of AOI groups across three Community Care Units from the perspectives of group participants with enduring mental illness and group facilitators. Fifteen interviews were conducted: five group participants were interviewed twice 4 weeks apart, and five group facilitators on completion of the group intervention. Interview data were analyzed thematically using constant comparative methods. Findings: Two overarching themes, "Making Change" and "Facilitating Change" were identified. Efforts to make change in their lives were supported by participants recognising the value of personally meaningful activities for well-being and of activity experiences that fostered hope and recovery, whereas a sense of "stuckness," time for activities and life events could disrupt "getting me going." For the facilitators, facilitating change involved recognizing inertia as a challenge; getting people going; and looking at how AOI intervention works to impact inertia. Conclusion: AOI in a group format supports participants to identify barriers to more active living; to appreciate how time-use and well-being interrelate; and to reframe and take steps to overcome inertia. Further research should evaluate AOI groups as a means of providing individualized support for activity re-engagement as part of recovery oriented mental health rehabilitation.
Introduction: A time-use focused intervention, Action Over Inertia (AOI) designed to address restricted activity patterns and support recovery, was adapted for use in Australian community residential mental health services. Method: Qualitative case study research explored the use of AOI groups across three Community Care Units from the perspectives of group participants with enduring mental illness and group facilitators. Fifteen interviews were conducted: five group participants were interviewed twice 4 weeks apart, and five group facilitators on completion of the group intervention. Interview data were analyzed thematically using constant comparative methods. Findings: Two overarching themes, "Making Change" and "Facilitating Change" were identified. Efforts to make change in their lives were supported by participants recognising the value of personally meaningful activities for well-being and of activity experiences that fostered hope and recovery, whereas a sense of "stuckness," time for activities and life events could disrupt "getting me going." For the facilitators, facilitating change involved recognizing inertia as a challenge; getting people going; and looking at how AOI intervention works to impact inertia. Conclusion: AOI in a group format supports participants to identify barriers to more active living; to appreciate how time-use and well-being interrelate; and to reframe and take steps to overcome inertia. Further research should evaluate AOI groups as a means of providing individualized support for activity re-engagement as part of recovery oriented mental health rehabilitation.
Keywords:
Action Over Inertia; activity participation patterns; community care unit; group interventions; psychosocial rehabilitation; qualitative research; recovery oriented practice