Occupational Therapists work with those across the life span who experience a wide range of clinical conditions: most commonly those who have difficulties due to physical, mental, social or developmental difficulties.
Occupational therapists training in physical and mental wellbeing across all ages means that they are the only healthcare profession trained at undergraduate level to deliver the Government’s “triple integration” agenda. “Triple Integration” involving greater integration between
Occupational Therapists reduce demand on General Practitioners by resolving underlying complex problems that are the root cause of multiple contacts with the Practice, such as frailty and end of life care; dementia; poor mental health; social isolation and loneliness; sickness absence from work or unemployment. Occupational Therapy-led vocational clinics in GP surgeries can also get people back to work faster and reduce the use of GP fit notes by approximately 50%.
From April 2020, this role will be reimbursed at 100% of actual salary plus defined on-costs, up to the maximum reimbursable amount of £53,724 over 12 months.
In general practice an Occupational Therapist’s salary can be negotiated, although there is a suggested salary of AFC equivalent Band 7.
Specialist/ Advanced Clinical Practitioners in Occupational Therapy are trained to advance their therapeutic and reasoning skills, developing their skills in communication and leadership to bring about more evidence-based, efficient and effective services.
Occupational Therapists are expected to demonstrate compliance with the HCPC Standards of Proficiency for Occupational Therapists.
Occupational Therapists provide assessments and interventions that are aimed at improving an individual’s physical and mental health. The occupational therapist focusses on exploring the impact that a person’s physical or mental health difficulties are having on their ability to complete the daily activities that they want or need to do. As patients’ needs are so varied, Occupational Therapists help GPs to support patients who are frail, with complex needs, live with chronic physical or mental health conditions, manage anxiety or depression, require advice to return or remain in work and need rehabilitation to continue with previous activities.
Providing a range of practical and psychosocial interventions the occupational therapist enables people to facilitate their recovery and overcome barriers that are preventing them engaging in their day to day routines and activities. This helps to increase an individual’s independence and satisfaction in all aspects of their life.
