Perspectives of service providers on vocational rehabilitation for mental health service users in Namibia: a qualitative study

PurposeChronic mental illness disrupts the ability to work, often resulting in the need for vocational rehabilitation in which occupational therapists play a role. Namibia does not have an occupational therapy vocational rehabilitation practice framework for service users with chronic mental illness. This study explored the contextual factors that should be considered for a vocational rehabilitation practice framework in Namibia.Materials and methodsA qualitative collective case study design was utilized. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine mental health service providers that were purposively selected from two study sites. An inductive thematic analysis of data was done using ATLAS.ti.ResultsThe need for collaborative advocacy for service users to raise awareness and engage stakeholders such as family members, employers and policy makers was highlighted. Vocational rehabilitation resources needed include sheltered workshops, financial resources and trained human resources. Recognition that vocational rehabilitation services are too limited to meet the needs of mental health service users. A vocational rehabilitation policy and strategy is required. Supported employment and self-employment are potential strategies that should be considered.ConclusionVocational rehabilitation for service users with chronic mental illness is limited in Namibia and there is a need to collaboratively improve the service. Occupational therapists should collaboratively advocate for vocational rehabilitation of mental health service users in low-income and middle-income countries such as NamibiaOccupational therapists should employ a human rights approach to vocational rehabilitation with emphasis on promotion of reasonable accommodation of service users in the workplace.