Experiences of occupational therapists and occupational therapy students in using the Assessment of Communication and Interaction Skills in mental health settings in Norway
Journal article, Peer reviewed
Copyright held by the college of occupational therapists ltd.

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Date
2011-07Metadata
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Original version
Bonsaksen, T., Myraunet, I., Celo, C., Granå, K.E. & Ellingham, B. (2011). British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74 (7), 332-338 http://dx.doi.org/10.4276/030802211X13099513661117Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the utility of the Assessment of Communication
and Interaction Skills (ACIS) in mental health settings, as experienced by Norwegian
occupational therapists and occupational therapy students.
Method: An informal draft translation was used to investigate the appropriateness
of the assessment for mental health practice. Focus group interviews were conducted
with three occupational therapy practice educators working in mental health settings
and six occupational therapy students on practice placement, who used the ACIS
during an 8-week mental health practice placement in 2009. The focus groups aimed
to explore the experiences of using the translated ACIS in working with clients.
Findings: Three main themes emerged: observing with the ACIS, scoring the ACIS
and using the ACIS in clinical practice.
Conclusion: The ACIS has the potential for making a positive contribution, both
for the individual client and for the larger team of multiprofessional staff, by giving
a structure and terminology that supports precise observation and reporting. Questions
were raised as to how the therapist’s level of engagement during the observation
may have an impact upon the client’s performance. The process of scoring and
giving feedback concerning the client’s skills may be emotionally challenging for
therapists, students and clients, and issues about how to give feedback to clients
require consideration.