A feasibility study of the Redesigning Daily Occupations (ReDOTM-10) programme in an Irish context

Background Despite high demand, mental health services in primary care in Ireland are underdeveloped. People with mild/moderate anxiety, depression and unspecified psychological distress are frequently seen in primary care settings, mostly by general practitioners (GPs). Occupational therapists have the potential to contribute to service-provision with interventions specially designed for the targeted group e.g. the Redesigning Daily Occupations programme (ReDO-10). Aims/objectives This study aimed to explore the feasibility of a future RCT of the ReDO-10 programme in Ireland and the contextual factors that would influence future implementation. Material and methods Using a multi-phase, mixed-method design, qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from key stakeholders: ReDO-10 participants (n = 10), GPs (n = 9) and occupational therapists (n = 2). Acceptability, satisfaction, cultural fit and demand were explored, as well as methodological issues such as appropriateness of recruitment methods, outcome measures and randomization. Results ReDO-10 was acceptable to participants who reported improvements in their occupational patterns and valued the group-based format. GPs and occupational therapists welcomed the intervention, but acknowledged the limitations of time and resources in the Irish primary care context. Conclusions ReDO-10 is feasible to explore in a future RCT in Ireland and this study provides important context for future implementation and/or research.

Automated summary

Despite high demand for mental health services in primary care in Ireland, services are underdeveloped. This study explored the feasibility of a future RCT of the ReDO-10 programme and found that it was acceptable to participants and supported by GPs and occupational therapists, although time and resource limitations in the Irish primary care context were acknowledged.