The Role
Occupational therapists (OTs) support people of all ages with problems resulting from physical, mental, social, or development difficulties. OTs provide interventions that help people find ways to continue with everyday activities that are important to them. This could involve learning new ways to do things or making changes to their environment to make things easier. As patients’ needs are so varied, OTs help GPs to support patients who are frail, with complex needs, live with chronic physical or mental health conditions, manage anxiety or depression, are recovering from an illness or an operation or require advice to return or remain in work or to overcome challenges.
Benefits for the Practice
- Using a proactive approach
- Assessment and intervention to help people cope at home
Benefits for the Patient
- Improving patient’s independence
- Improving strength and endurance for functional tasks
Training & Development
- A BSc degree in occupational therapy is required to work as an occupational therapist in any setting.
- HEE Primary care FCP training must be completed as the minimum threshold for entry to primary care and be supported by appropriate governance and indemnity.
- HEE primary care FCP training can begin 3-5 years after the completion of the postgraduate degree