Inspiring Futures Together in Independent Practice

The presentation

he presentation featured speakers from The OT Practice: Paul Cooper (Professional Head of OT), Sarah Doyle (Therapist Network Director), Sam Mayer (Occupational Therapist), and Stephanie James (Case Manager and OT). 

Paul Cooper opened by explaining that The OT Practice, founded in 2010 by OT Nikki Thompson, has grown to become the UK's largest independent OT company. Their mission centres on empowering occupational therapists to practise as they wish while providing comprehensive clinical and administrative support. Cooper highlighted a growing trend among therapists who seek to explore new working models, not necessarily leaving their main roles, but wanting to utilise their full range of skills through "portfolio careers." 

The OT Practice offers various work opportunities including supporting private individuals, helping clear NHS and social care waiting lists, working alongside case managers in complex cases, and supporting various charities. Their therapists work primarily in people's homes but also in schools, rehabilitation facilities, and other settings across all age ranges. 

Paul emphasised their commitment to professional development, noting that they encourage therapists to step outside their comfort zones and use transferable skills. The company provides administrative support, handling referrals and invoicing, while offering clinical guidance, secure data systems, and comprehensive policies. They've recently launched an online training platform and have specialist OTs in various areas to provide peer support. 

The presentation included a moving video about David, a Royal Navy veteran who received support through the Royal British Legion's partnership with The OT Practice. Previously homeless and struggling with mobility following hip surgery, David received a mobility scooter and home adaptations that dramatically improved his quality of life, allowing him to reconnect with his community. 

Stephanie James then explained case management, describing how case managers are instructed by solicitors or insurers to work with clients who have experienced accidents, workplace injuries or clinical negligence. The process begins with an initial needs assessment, identifying client needs and recommending appropriate support. She outlined how she collaborates with various professionals, including occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care. 

Sam Mayer shared a case study about Pete, a client with cerebral palsy who was transitioning from living with his parents to living independently with 24-hour support. Pete faced numerous challenges including poor domestic skills, reliance on others for personal hygiene, low self-esteem, poor road safety awareness, vulnerability, and occupational deprivation. 

Sam described how she worked to build therapeutic trust with Pete, gradually identifying goals. These included developing a routine, improving independence with personal hygiene and domestic tasks, learning to ride a bike, hosting a house party, going on holiday, building self-confidence to form relationships, and improving fitness. A significant goal was climbing Mount Snowdon. 

The interventions included collaborative work with Pete's case manager and support workers, complex risk assessments, functional assessments in various settings, and a creative, person-centred approach. Videos showed Pete hiking in challenging weather conditions and exercising in preparation for his Snowdon climb, which had been temporarily postponed due to weather but was rescheduled. 

Both Stephanie and Sam shared their experiences of working independently. Stephanie explained that she transitioned to private practice seeking more flexibility, particularly to balance work with family life. She now works across OT, case management and expert witness roles, managing her own diary and enjoying the variety and complementary nature of these roles. 

Sam noted that she's worked with The OT Practice for about eight years, appreciating how they encourage creativity and ‘thinking outside the box’ while providing support when needed. She values the autonomy they offer, alongside the availability of advice and problem-solving assistance. Sam mentioned recent improvements including the online training platform and clinical lead support in various specialisms. 

When asked what motivated their interest in case management, Sam explained that she started part-time alongside NHS work, and found that having more resources available allowed her to truly help clients achieve their goals without the typical barriers found in statutory services. 

Both practitioners noted that private practice involves more in-depth assessments and reports than statutory services, with a focus on not just what clients need but what they want to do – enhancing quality of life. They emphasised the importance of communication when working remotely, and the value of expanding knowledge about equipment options and community resources. 

Sam highlighted how The OT Practice had inspired her to be more creative and to focus on specific OT skills, enabling her to help clients achieve remarkable goals like climbing Snowdon. When asked what advice they would give to someone starting in independent practice, Stephanie recommended researching different companies and speaking with practitioners already working independently, while Sam acknowledged the initial challenge of no longer being part of a traditional team, but noted that over time she's built connections with various professionals, creating a different but effective network. 

During the Q&A session, the speakers addressed questions about resources for housing adaptations (noting their online platform, clinical leads, and various support mechanisms), mental health provision (explaining that while they don't typically have purely mental health referrals, they take a holistic approach with all clients), rates of pay (varying by type of work), and experience requirements (considering individual skills and backgrounds rather than strict timeframes). 

The presentation concluded with positive audience comments about the freedom to support individuals in beneficial ways and the inspiration of seeing how independent practice allows therapists to ’think outside the box.’