Health Services Insights· 2026Q2
Implementation Considerations for an Occupational Therapy-Led Mental Health Care Navigation Program for Older Adult Patients
- 1citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
An occupational therapy (OT)-led mental health patient navigation program (MH PNP) effectively bridges hospital and community care for older adults with complex needs, but requires organizational alignment, professional support, and clear role expectations for successful implementation.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- OT-led MH PNPs provide valuable, specialized skills to improve MH and functional outcomes in older adults.
- Navigators effectively bridge gaps between hospital and community care settings.
- Successful implementation requires organizational alignment, professional support, and clear role definitions.
- Organizational culture, system constraints, and patient complexity are significant implementation barriers.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Background: Older adults with mental health (MH) challenges often face significant barriers when navigating complex healthcare systems, especially during critical transitions, such as hospital discharge. These challenges are compounded by comorbid physical illnesses, cognitive impairments, and social determinants of health. Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to gain insights from patients and providers on factors influencing the implementation of an innovative occupational therapy (OT) led Patient Navigation Program (PNP) supporting older adults with complex MH care needs. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study that was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Results: Seven patients and caregivers, and 17 healthcare professionals who served as the MH PNP or collaborated with the MH PNP participated in the study. MH Navigators offered valuable, specialized skills to address gaps in MH and functional outcomes among older adults and were highly effective at bridging hospital and community care. However, the success of such a role depends on alignment across organizations, sufficient professional support, clear role expectations, and integrated team structures. Significant barriers for implementation included organizational cultural differences, system constraints, and the high complexity of patient needs. Conclusion: The OT-led MH PNP holds significant promise for optimizing care delivery for older adults with MH care needs by bridging gaps in the healthcare system and fostering better continuity of care. Insights from this study can refine navigation processes, enhance interprofessional collaboration, improve patient experiences, and provide valuable guidance for implementing MH navigation programs at other sites.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Health Services Insights, 2026 · DOI ↗
Continue with a free account
Ask the paper: 3 free questions a day about this paper; save it, get its citation, new summaries every day for your field. Takeaways are Premium.
Continue free on the webSign in with Google or Apple; no card needed. You come back to this paper.
On your phone:
Field: Occupational Therapy
Occupational TherapyHealth Professions