Effective Interdisciplinary Teamwork: An Occupational Therapy Perspective

Abstract

Objective: First, to describe the focus and scope of occupational therapy and some contributions of occupational therapy in mental health settings. Second, to identify opportunities for enhancing interdisciplinary teamwork so as to effectively address the full range of needs and issues experienced by people living with mental illness, from an occupational therapist's perspective. Conclusions: The significance of occupation for health and wellbeing needs to be better understood within the mental health field, and wider community, if interdisciplinary teams are to more effectively address the occupational and other needs of those living with mental illness. To this end, improved opportunities for dialogue through shared education and professional development, informed dialogue about balancing generic, specialist and nonprofessional roles in service delivery, as well as inclusion of consumers and carers in these dialogues, are recommended.