Occupational therapists in Work Rehabilitation
14 March, 2025
5 minute read
What do we do and what does the future hold?
Occupational therapists highlight their critical role in work rehabilitation, emphasising how their unique skills in understanding person-environment-occupation interactions make them perfectly suited to supporting individuals' return to work. They showcase diverse practice areas and advocate for work considerations across all healthcare settings.
Five key takeaways
The presentation
The presentation, delivered by Helen Russell and Jo Smith, delves into the pivotal role of occupational therapists (OTs) in work rehabilitation and occupational health. They present a compelling narrative about why work is fundamental to occupational therapy and how OTs are uniquely positioned to support individuals in maintaining and returning to meaningful employment.
The speakers begin by tracing the historical roots of occupational therapy, noting that the profession was fundamentally created in response to societal needs for vocational rehabilitation. This historical context underscores that supporting work has always been central to OT practice. They argue that work is not just a job, but a core part of personal identity, providing structure, social contact, achievement, and financial security.
Undergraduate training equips OTs with distinctive skills for work rehabilitation. They highlight specific frameworks like the Person Environment Occupation (PEO) model and the biopsychosocial approach, which enable OTs to comprehensively assess an individual's capacity to work. Crucially, OTs excel at activity analysis – breaking down job demands into minute details and understanding how an individual's capabilities align with workplace requirements.
The presentation features vignettes from OTs working in diverse settings, demonstrating the profession's versatility. These range from vocational rehabilitation research and supporting staff with health conditions to assisting young people with neurodiversity in workplace adaptations. Each narrative emphasises the OT's focus on functional capacity and finding solutions that enable work participation.
The current workforce landscape presents significant opportunities for OTs. With unprecedented numbers of people unable to work due to health issues and existing skills shortages, there's growing recognition of OTs' unique contributions. Key policy drivers include fit note reforms, consultations on working better, and pilots exploring health and work support.
Helen and Jo stress that OTs should incorporate work considerations into every healthcare setting, even when immediate return to work isn't possible. They recommend keeping employers informed, understanding job requirements, and considering work as a potential rehabilitation goal.
Call to action
The speakers conclude with a call to action, encouraging OTs to:
- Incorporate work discussions across all practice settings
- Join professional networks and organisations
- Be creative in identifying and promoting their unique skills
- Network and share their experiences
Their passionate presentation positions occupational therapy as not just a profession, but a critical intervention in supporting individuals' holistic health and societal participation through meaningful work.