Randomized controlled pilot study of an occupational time-use intervention for people with serious mental illness.

OBJECTIVE We assessed the efficacy and clinical utility of a new occupational time-use intervention, Action Over Inertia, designed to improve occupational balance and engagement among community-dwelling people with serious mental illness. METHOD Using a randomized controlled design, we assigned 24 participants to an intervention group or standard care group. Participants were community-dwelling people with serious mental illness receiving assertive community treatment services. Data on time use, occupational balance, and engagement were collected and compared at baseline and 12-wk posttest. RESULTS Eighteen participants completed the pilot study. Treatment group participants increased their occupational balance by spending an average of 47 min more per day in activity than the control group (p = .05). Differences in occupational engagement were not shown, but evidence of clinical utility was found. CONCLUSION This pilot study of Action Over Inertia has shown evidence of efficacy and clinical utility.