Meaningful Engagement: Exploring Principles and Actions to Build Client and Caregiver Engagement Within a Community-Based Dual Diagnosis Service.
Andrea Almas, Rosemary Lysaght, Susan Farrell and 1 others
PMID 40113450WHAT IT FOUND
Clients and caregivers in a dual diagnosis service said engagement depends on being greeted by name, spoken to directly, and given accessible summaries of appointments.
They valued early conversations about who should attend meetings and how much say they wanted in care decisions.
Key findings
01Participants identified four themes for meaningful engagement: Collaboration, Communication, Empowering Environment, and Tailored Service, with practical strategies for both individual and programme levels.
02Clients and caregivers emphasised the need to be heard, respected, and involved in decision-making, with some requiring support to understand options while others wanted independence.
03Engagement was supported by accessible communication, including plain language, direct speech to the client, and tailored methods for feedback and appointments.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The study included only individuals with communication skills sufficient for group or individual discussions, excluding those with more severe communication impairments. Findings are from a single community-based dual diagnosis service in Ontario, limiting transferability to other settings. The small sample size prevented separate analysis of client versus caregiver perspectives. Programme-level engagement was explored less deeply than individual-level service.
Declared interests
The first author had a dual role as researcher and occupational therapist at the study setting. To mitigate bias, she was removed from direct recruitment and was transparent about her role with participants.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret these themes as evidence that specific interventions improve outcomes. This is a qualitative description of participant experiences and suggested strategies, not a test of efficacy.