ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine a type of intervention, i.e., an evaluation tool applied to community-based occupational therapy for people with mental illness, as an evidence-based practice. Methods: For the main keywords of a database search, ‘Community based occupational therapy’ AND ‘Severe mental illness’ OR ‘Psychiatric disability’ OR ‘Mental disorder’ were used. Using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, we systematically examined papers published in journals from 2010 to 2020. Finally, 15 studies were selected through exclusion criteria. Results: Most of the selected studies were focused on evidence levels Ⅰ and Ⅱ. Most studies applied to community-based occupational therapy intervention for people with mental illness were occupation-based intervention, including IADL, Work, and Social participation. Occupation- and performance-based evaluation tools, as well as tools used to evaluate the quality of life, psychosocial function, and psychiatric symptom, were applied. Conclusion: Through this systematic review, clinical evidence on community-based occupational therapy was provided for people with mental illness to the occupational therapist. Because community-based occupational therapy practice for people with mental illness is expected to be conducted within the country, related studies in this area are needed.