Occupational Therapy's Contribution to Pain Management in Queensland

Abstract

One hundred and eighty‐nine Queensland registered occupational therapists responded to a questionnaire survey which investigated occupational therapy involvement in the chronic pain management area. Thirty‐three percent of these occupational therapists were involved in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain. No occupational therapists were involved in pain management on a full‐time basis, with all having additional patient caseloads and/or responsibilities. Fourteen percent of the occupational therapists who treated pain patients were operating from a specialist pain clinic. The patient groups most frequently seen were the arthritic and back pain groups. Prescription of assistive devices/adaptive equipment and involvement in activities of daily living were the treatment modalities most often used. The discussion centres upon the role played by occupational therapists working with chronic pain patients in Queensland.