A short discussion paper based on the author’s experience of working in an acute psychiatric unit in South Africa with an average length of stay of 15-30 days. The challenges of the limited opportunity for occupational therapy outcomes in such an acute setting is identified, with concerns from some therapists captured regarding the efficacy of their role and the ability to appropriately apply the Vona du Toit Model of Creative Ability due to the short time frame for assessment and treatment. The author identifies that the VdTMoCA can provide a theoretical framework to guide occupational therapists in assessment, treatment and evaluation of a patient’s functional skills, but suggests that this may be limited and would require more research.
Ramukumba ,A (1994) Creative Ability in Short Term Psychiatry. Published in the "Vona and Marie du Toit Creative Ability Workshop" conducted on the 3, 4 & 5 August, 1994 in cooperation with the Departments of Occupational Therapy, MEDUNSA and the University of Pretoria