Learn@Lunch: Developing a continuing professional development programme to raise knowledge and awareness of drinking alcohol as an occupation in later life

Maclean, Fiona; Breckenridge, Jenna P; Schrag, Anthony; Gray, Joanna; McCormack, Brendan; Kantartzis, Sarah

Abstract

Introduction:: Occupational therapists in acute practice are increasingly likely to work routinely with people in later life who drink alcohol. Therefore, this knowledge translation study aimed to evaluate the development of a continuing professional development Learn@Lunch programme, designed to enhance awareness and understanding of occupational therapists who work in an acute hospital setting, of drinking alcohol as an occupation in later life. Method:: Guided by the Promoting Action of Research Implementation in Health Sciences framework, the continuing professional development programme was developed, and a qualitative evaluation undertaken. This included pre- and post-focus groups with occupational therapists (n = 8) in an acute setting, where the programme was delivered, pre- and post-programme delivery interviews with the research champion recruited from the site, and one interview with the Allied Health Professions Service Lead. Findings:: Findings indicate the Learn@Lunch continuing professional development programme enhanced therapist knowledge and understanding of the changing patterns of drinking alcohol in later life. However, practical barriers exist impacting how participants perceived the value and delivery of the programme. Conclusion:: Learn@Lunch was an effective continuing professional development programme and supported enhanced knowledge and awareness of drinking alcohol as an occupation in later life, leading to changes in local acute occupational therapy practice.

Citation

Maclean, F., Breckenridge, J. P., Schrag, A., Gray, J., McCormack, B., & Kantartzis, S. (2025). Learn@Lunch: Developing a continuing professional development programme to raise knowledge and awareness of drinking alcohol as an occupation in later life. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 88(1), 54-64. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241280725

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 12, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 20, 2024
• Publication Date: 2025-01
• Deposit Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Journal: British Journal of Occupational Therapy
• Print ISSN: 0308-0226
• Electronic ISSN: 1477-6006
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 88
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 54-64
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241280725
• Keywords: continuing professional development, Alcohol, older adults