The Personalisation of Adult Social Care: Occupational Therapists' Perceptions

Abstract

Purpose: The personalisation of adult social care, as confirmed in Putting People First (Department of Health 2007), will see a fundamental change in social care services, including occupational therapy. This study aimed to capture occupational therapists' perceptions of personalisation. Procedure: A qualitative study involving interviews with six practising occupational therapists was undertaken. The interviews were transcribed and the data studied for emerging themes, using thematic analysis to code and analyse the data. Findings: Four main themes were identified: similarities to occupational therapy; a lack of understanding of occupational therapy; threats and concerns; and opportunities and action needed. All participants felt that they understood the components of personalisation and identified similarities to occupational therapy. All were able to highlight opportunities and actions for occupational therapists with regard to personalisation. However, all raised concerns about the future role of the occupational therapist and highlighted a general lack of understanding of occupational therapy. Conclusion: Occupational therapists consider themselves to be well placed to support the implementation of personalisation. They feel that it is the right direction for adult social care, and that its goals are in parallel with those of occupational therapy. However, there are concerns that the possible contribution of occupational therapists could be overlooked.