Developing an occupation- and recovery-based outcome measure for people with mental health conditions: An action research study.

Introduction: An action research study was carried out to develop an outcome measure for a community outreach service known as HiWay. The service is run by Mind Monmouthshire, in Wales, with input from local occupational therapists. It aims to facilitate mental health recovery through engagement in community occupations. Method: Seven cycles of reflection and action were undertaken by HiWay staff, occupational therapists, service users and university researchers. Data in the form of audio recordings and field notes of group meetings were analysed between each cycle. Findings: Participants suggested that outcome measurement needs to be service user led in terms of the nature and size of outcomes and when and how often a measure is used. They argued that terminology around outcomes needs to be accessible and motivational. Participants also suggested that outcome measures have the potential to become central to resilience-building for people with mental health problems. Conclusion: Through action research, service users and staff from different agencies can be involved in service level change such as the design and implementation of an outcome measure

Thinking falls - taking action: development of a guide to action for falls prevention tool (GtA)

Clinical guidelines and research papers help clinicians measure and understand the risk of falling in their older clients but very few provide the assessor with recommendations as to which interventions they can use to reduce the risk of a fall. The Guide to Action for Falls Prevention tool (GtA) was developed to help professionals from a broad range of organisations to recognise factors that might increase falls risk and know which actions to take to lessen that risk. Twenty four professionals tested the GtA in a clinical setting and found it quick (15 mins) and easy to complete. The GtA needs further evaluation to test whether it is a practical way of delivering a falls prevention intervention