An Exploration into the Role of Occupational Therapy in the provision of Dietary Interventions for Adults with a Mental Health Condition

Abstract

Background: Adults with a mental health condition are less likely to meet dietary guidelines and more likely to consume a diet high in discretionary choices. People with mental health conditions are also more likely to have poor dietary skills, such as difficulty in sourcing and preparing meals. These instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) fall within the scope of practice for Occupational Therapists, however the extent of its utilisation is unclear from existing literature. Review question: An exploration into the role of Occupational Therapists in the provision of dietary interventions for adults with a mental health condition. Data Sources: Four health related databases (Medline, Ovid Embase, Ovid Emcare and PsycINFO) were searched up to October 2022. Articles that met the eligibility criteria were selected for this study (n=3). Appraisal methods: Critical Appraisal Tools (CATs) were used to assess the quality of the selected studies. These tools use a scoring system to provide an overall rating of the study. Results: The selected studies illustrated that Occupational Therapists are uniquely positioned and able to deliver dietary interventions to adults with a mental health condition. As they deliver these interventions, they are representing core Occupational Therapy philosophies by focusing on an individual’s occupational performance. Limitations: While this review the limited in the number of studies utilised, and possibly bias by Occupational Therapists interested in and in favour of delivering dietary interventions, it nonetheless is illustrative of the potential role of OTs in delivering dietary interventions in certain situations. Conclusions and implications of key findings: Overall there is support for Occupational Therapists to deliver dietary interventions to adults with a mental health condition. The evidence suggest that these interventions fall inside the scope of practice for Occupational Therapists. This encourages practitioners to teach and apply these skills to enable and motivate individuals who often find day-to-day activities difficult. Occupational Therapists can assist these individuals to perform a range of dietary-related occupations including shopping, budgeting, meal planning and cooking to live healthy and fulfilling lives.