Occupational therapy: an emerging role in primary care

Abstract

BackgroundGPs in the UK are under significant pressure in delivering primary care and this has highlighted the need for workforce development. Occupational therapists (OTs) are highly skilled practitioners working across health and social care sectors. Educated at pre-registration level to work with physical and mental health issues, OTs can potentially provide valuable support to GPs. To date OTs are not routinely utilised within primary care. For over 10 years the University of Southampton OT Department has developed placements in a range of settings for students, but never previously in primary care.AimThe focus of this study was to determine whether role emerging placements in primary care enhanced the learning of OT students and to consider what can be learned about the role of occupational therapy in primary care.MethodA case study approach was used to evaluate the project. Methods of data collection for this study included: observation of small group teaching sessions and end of placement interviews with students, educators, and members of the primary care teams involved in the placements.ResultsAnalysis of the data indicates OT skills can be utilised in general practice in a number of ways, in certain areas, potentially saving face-to-face consultations with GPs.ConclusionOTs are an underutilised profession in frontline primary care. The role of OT has not been well researched as a ‘first point of contact’ healthcare professional in primary care. OTs’ broad training in mental health, physical frailty, and learning disabilities are potentially valuable to service delivery in general practice.