New mental health eLearning resources coming soon

Danielle Hitch, Genevieve Pepin, Rachel Knight and Kirk Reed, Deakin University

OTA and Deakin University are currently developing the initial two modules of a suite of online mental health learning resources, scheduled for release in mid-2023. The aim of these resources will be to support and build on occupational therapists’ foundation skills and knowledge in a variety of service settings and will provide a pathway towards mental health endorsement.

How have the modules been developed?

The Thinking Ahead: Mental Health project was completed in 2022 to ensure OTA supports mental health occupational therapists effectively. The aim of the project was to reposition the profession as a key part of the contemporary mental health system and to significantly expand OTA’s capacity for support and advocacy in this field of practice. Extensive consultation was undertaken with members and other stakeholders (including government), along with research. The internally and externally focused outcomes of this project are now guiding the actions of OTA (including advocacy, identification of practice and communications) in this space.

OTA’s Mental Health Strategy was released on 25 November 2022, with a focus on the key areas of workforce, awareness and advocacy. The resources align with the workforce priority area in the strategy, and form part of Phase 1 of Strategy Implementation.

Two key design features for these modules are their alignment to Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and the inclusion of consumers and carers in the development of content. UDL principles enable content and curriculum development that provides all learners with equal opportunities and promotes equity and accessibility. Both modules will align with the UDL principles by providing multiple means of representation, action, expression and engagement. For example, all videos will be captioned and available as an audio file to provide multiple means of engagement. As noted by Scanlan et al. (2020), further efforts are required within occupational therapy to enable meaningful collaboration with consumers on curriculum design, delivery and evaluation. The topics and learning outcomes of these modules have been drafted by OTA and consumers will be consulted around the content of learning activities and will review the drafts of each module prior to their finalisation.

What will the modules contain?

Module 1 builds knowledge of mental health systems, mental health diagnoses and co-occurring factors. It will include approximately five hours of online content about relevant frameworks, systems and legislation, common mental health diagnoses and treatment, relevant theories (including occupational therapy models, recovery oriented and trauma informed practice and attachment theory), child and adolescent development, substance use and other addictions, and culturally aware practice.

Module 2 develops skills in mental health assessment and planning. This module offers approximately four hours of online content about functional capacity assessments, mental state examination, risk assessment, personal safety planning, environmental assessments, NDIS assessment and reporting, and physical health assessment and intervention.

Both modules begin with a self-assessment of the learner’s current knowledge and skills against learning objectives, and the identification of any additional personal learning goals. A brief revision of key concepts and terms is provided to activate the learner’s existing knowledge, followed by brief interactive presentations of content relevant to the topic. All content focuses on the unique approach offered by occupational therapy, and the modules use case studies to support practice activities for all newly acquired skills. Each module concludes with information about resources and strategies available to extend on the module activities and continue knowledge development, before the learner reassesses their knowledge and skills. Learners also have an opportunity to provide brief feedback about the module and any further content they would like developed.

If you have any suggestions for content or other feedback about the development of these modules, please feel free to contact the Project Leader, Danielle Hitch by emailing dani.hitch@deakin.edu.au.

About the authors

All authors are members of the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy team at Deakin University. They also have extensive clinical and academic experience in the field of mental health occupational therapy. Keep an eye on OTA’s website and other channels for news on how to enrol in these modules later in the year.