Occupational therapy in early intervention in psychosis (EIP): a scoping review of practice in Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK)

Purpose This study aims to synthesise existing studies on occupational therapy within early intervention in psychosis (EIP) in Ireland and the UK, to increase understanding of current – and inform future – research and practice in Ireland, the UK and beyond. This review aims to act as a reference point for practitioners and researchers based in Ireland and/or the UK – but also as an overview of practice here for international readers. Design/methodology/approach A systematic approach was used in the conducting of this scoping review. The databases Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched using Arskey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al.’s (2010) methodological framework for conducting scoping studies. The Irish and British Journal(s) of Occupational Therapy were searched applying the same search strategy. The reference lists of included studies were then hand-searched. Core characteristics of included studies were extracted and described using Hoffmann et al. (2014) template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide. All included studies were critically appraised using Hong et al.’s (2018) mixed-methods appraisal tool. Findings The search yielded a total of 93 results across the databases, journals and reference lists of included studies. Following screening, six papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study: three vocational interventions, two psychosocial interventions and one exercise and lifestyle intervention. Originality/value This review provides insight into the distinct contributions of occupational therapy to EIP in Ireland and the UK and highlights a need for further research to provide more clear and comprehensive descriptions of how occupational therapy is delivered and applied globally in this clinical area.