Role of Occupational Therapist in a Rehabilitation Team

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Introduction

Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health and wellbeing to optimise function and enable individuals to achieve their full potential. This is achieved through provision of practical support to increase independence by empowering the individual to overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities (or occupations) that matter to them.

"Occupation" as a term refers to practical and purposeful activities that allow people to live independently and have a sense of identity. This could be essential day-to-day tasks such as self-care, work or leisure. An occupational therapists role is to support individuals to overcome the effects of decreased functioning caused by illness, ageing or accident so that they can carry out everyday tasks or occupations, considering all of the individual’s needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental. This support can make a real difference giving individuals a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about the future. Occupational therapists work in a wide variety of settings with adults and children of all ages with a wide range of conditions; most commonly those who have difficulties due to a mental health illness, physical or learning disabilities.

Knowledge and Skills for Clinical Practice

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Assessment and Identification

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Management and Treatment

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Prevention and Education

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Resources

• Cieza A, Causey K, Kamenov K, Hanson SW, Chatterji S, Vos T. Global Estimates of the need for rehabilitation based on the Global Burden of Disease study 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Lancet. 2020 Dec 1.

References