Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

Department

Occupational Therapy

First Advisor

Cherie Graves

Abstract

Title: Supporting Community Integration for Veterans with Mental Health Conditions Through the Lens of Recovery: RISE-ing Together

Introduction: This paper delves into the VA's commitment, aligned with AOTA guidelines, to enhance Veterans' well-being through the PEO model in occupational therapy during community reintegration. Highlighting recovery as a transformative process, it addresses mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, underscoring the central role of occupational therapy practitioners in providing tailored care. Shifting focus to the environment, drawing on studies (Pedersen & Wiser, 2021; Phelan et al., 2018; Sayer et al., 2021), the paper accentuates challenges and opportunities, emphasizing employment as crucial for a sense of belonging. Addressing Veterans' transition challenges and the importance of accessible healthcare and robust community resources, the paper concludes by stressing the imperative need for tailored interventions and the pivotal role of occupational therapy practitioners in successful community reintegration (Pedersen & Wiser, 2021; Phelan et al., 2018; Sayer et al., 2021). Purpose: The focus of this scholarly project was on addressing the distinct needs of Veterans with serious and persistent mental illness navigating community integration to offer support and resources to enhance their well-being. In collaboration with the partnering agency, Recovery, Inspiration, Self-Efficacy, and Engagement (RISE) at the Loveland VA Outpatient clinic, it was determined a need for a program handbook specific to the Veteran participants, a brochure of the program to give to providers of the Veterans to support interdisciplinary practices and referrals, as well as a sensory-based group to provide education and support the integration of the bodies sensory systems in recovery. Rediscovering You- A Program Handbook for Veterans is a bound paper handbook to facilitate easy access for Veteran participants within the RISE program, providing valuable information and best practices for managing their mental health. The RISE Program is a trifold brochure dedicated to providing pertinent information of the program to the Veteran providers to increase buy-in and gain referrals to the program for those Veterans who qualify. Coping Through the Senses, is a 10-week occupational therapy protocol with the intent of providing educational resources and strategies on how to utilize the different sensory systems within the body to assist with the recovery process for Veterans diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). The anticipated results is that these products will clarify the scope of services offered through RISE to support the decision-making process for practitioners, and the recovery journey for Veterans, thereby increasing community integration and overall well-being of Veterans with SPMI. This scholarly project is expected to improve Veteran outcomes and increase.

Methodology: An extensive literature review was conducted to obtain information to create an evidence-based protocol for occupational therapists to use when treating Veterans with SPMI, a program handbook for Veterans to utilize when participating in the RISE program, and a brochure for the Veteran providers to educate and promote the sending of appropriate referrals to the program. Research articles, textbooks, and resources from the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Department of Veterans Affairs were used for this project. Based on the literature results, Supporting Community Integration for Veterans with Mental Health Conditions Through the Lens of Recovery: RISE-ing Together was created for occupational therapists to foster treatment for groups of Veterans participating in the RISE program, the Veterans to use the handbook to actively track their recovery journey, and the providers to use ix the brochure to gain education and send appropriate referrals to the program. The Person, Environment, and Occupation (PEO) model was used to direct the development of the products.

Conclusion: This scholarly project is dedicated to enhancing Veterans' well-being during community reintegration through the development of Supporting Community Integration for Veterans with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness Through the Lens of Recovery: RISE-ing Together. Aligned with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' commitment and AOTA guidelines, the project focuses on the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) model, recognizing the essential role of occupational therapy practitioners (OTs). The project results in evidence-based protocols and a comprehensive handbook aimed at guiding both OTs and Veterans in navigating the recovery journey, with a specific emphasis on fostering successful community reintegration. This initiative contributes significantly to the intersection of occupational therapy, mental health care, and Veterans' overall well-being.

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