Development of a staff training intervention for inpatient mental health rehabilitation units to increase service users' engagement in activities

IntroductionThis study developed a training intervention (‘GetREAL’) to change the practice of staff working in National Health Service inpatient mental health rehabilitation units in order to increase service users’ engagement in activities.MethodThe intervention was developed through eight consultation events and piloting in two settings, drawing on the expertise of occupational therapists, psychiatrists, organisational change specialists and service users, together with multi-disciplinary teams.ResultsA manual for the intervention, a fidelity checklist, an induction programme and training materials were produced. The intervention applied a three-stage change model (predisposing, enabling and reinforcing) and was informed by theories from occupational therapy and organisational development. It was delivered by psychiatrists, occupational therapists, activity workers and service users. Staff were encouraged to change their ward structures and routines as well as their practice. Clinical supervision and r...