Intermediate care: An occupational therapy perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the involvement of occupational therapists in the development of intermediate care services in England. A non-experimental survey design was employed and a postal questionnaire was sent to 414 members of the specialist section of the College of Occupational Therapists: Older People. Quantitative and qualitative data from the 159 respondents was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. Results indicate that the occupational therapists in this study were heavily involved in the development of intermediate care services. This included the creation and monitoring of integrated equipment stores and in the extension of their role to include intermediate care coordination. Intermediate care provision for older people with mental health problems was seen to be an area requiring further development. The National Service Framework for older people continues to provide opportunities for occupational therapists working to further develop and shape services for this growing sector of society.