Utilization of Occupational Therapists in Mental Health Settings in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Occupational therapists (OTs) play a vital role in multidisciplinary mental health teams worldwide, yet their utilization in low-resource contexts such as Pakistan remains poorly understood. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the employment, awareness, and perceptions of occupational therapy in mental health facilities across Lahore, Pakistan.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted over three months among 41 mental health facilities selected through random sampling. Facilities serving neurological, psychological, and psychiatric conditions were included, excluding those limited to physical disabilities. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from a U.S. study, with expert review. Structured interviews were conducted with administrators or designated spokespersons. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 with descriptive and comparative statistics. Results: Occupational therapists were employed in only 8 of 10 pediatric facilities (80.0%) and in none of the 31 adult facilities (0.0%). Awareness of OT roles was limited (34.1%), and only 14.6% of facilities considered hiring OTs. Extended service domains such as program development (p < 0.05), staff training (p < 0.05), and case management (p < 0.01) were significantly more common in facilities employing OTs. Conclusion: The utilization of OTs in Lahore’s mental health facilities was minimal, restricted to pediatric services, and hindered by low awareness, overlapping professional roles, and lack of institutional support. Strengthening OT integration has important implications for improving functional rehabilitation and holistic patient care in Pakistan.

Keywords: Adult Mental Health, Awareness, Case Management, Mental Health Facilities, Occupational Therapy, Pakistan, Pediatric Mental Health, Rehabilitation, Workforce Utilization.