Table 2 Summary of literature review methods

Search terms

((Occupation* AND (functioning OR impairment OR adaptation OR engagement OR performance)) OR participation in daily life OR (Function* AND (performance OR recovery OR status OR outcomes OR skills) OR activities of daily living OR independent living skills OR psychosocial functioning OR community living skills OR self-care OR leisure) AND (psychosis OR psychotic illness OR schizophrenia OR schizoaffective OR severe and enduring mental health)

Online databases searched

CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO and MEDLINE

Inclusion criteria

A focus on occupational performance of adults with a diagnosed psychotic disorder or where at least 70% of the participants had a diagnosed psychotic disorder and between the ages of 18–65. Qualitative and quantitative studies were included.

Quality assessment

The RATS (Relevance, Appropriateness, Transparency, Soundness) qualitative research review guideline was used to evaluate qualitative studies [45]. The quality assessment tool for quantitative studies developed by Effective Public Health Practice Project was used to rate the quality of included quantitative studies [43]. All studies were included in the review following quality assessment.

Results

Twenty-three papers meeting the inclusion criteria were found in the review. Ten of the studies used qualitative methods and 13 used quantitative methods to investigate aspects of occupational performance for adults with psychosis. No studies focused on post-discharge from hospital.

Key findings

The literature review identified that people with psychosis with higher levels of information-processing skills were more independent in their living skills. Reduced motor and process skills impacted on their ability to carry out daily activities, in addition to skill development being disrupted at onset of psychosis. People with psychosis have been identified as being under occupied and describe a lack of routine and problems with personal activities of daily living. A lack of social contacts has been identified as a barrier to leisure.