Background/aim: This qualitative study explored occupational engagement of those detained in forensic units. Legal and institutional restrictions on occupation have implications for their health and wellbeing.
Method: Twenty‐six current forensic mental health service users participated in five focus groups, which were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to constant comparative analysis.
Findings: The participants highlighted previous occupations, current occupations and hopes. Key aspects were control over decision‐making, motivation and support, generating suggestions alongside positive experiences of occupational therapy.
Conclusions: Institutional barriers could be overcome with a dynamic balance between risk management and mental health promotion through occupation. This demands a sustained focus on occupation for everyone involved in providing care and treatment in these settings.
", language="", issn="0045-0766", doi="10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00857.x", url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00857.x" }