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Cieza A , Causey K , Kamenov K , Hanson SW , Chatterji S , Vos T ( 2021 ) 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 . Lancet ( London , England ). 2021 ; 396 ( 10267 ): 2006-2017 .
World Federation of Occupational Therapists ( 2022 ) Human Resources Project 2022 [ Internet ]. Switzerland : World Federation of Occupational Therapists ; 2022 . Available at https :// bit . ly / 4j2AA1y [ accessed 3 January 2025 ].
World Health Organization ( 2017 ) The need to scale up rehabilitation . Geneva : WHO . Available at https :// iris . who . int / handle / 10665 / 331210 [ accessed 3 January 2025 ].
Words Q & A with WFOT by TRACEY SAMUELS , OTnews Editor . For enquiries contact admin @ wfot . org . Download the WFOT Global Strategy for the Occupational Therapy Workforce at https :// bit . ly / 3ZVwa3I . To find out more about RCOT ’ s Workforce Strategy 2024-2035 , and our workforce vision and priorities , visit www . rcot . co . uk / workforce-strategy
WFOT individual membership benefits
WFOT Individual Membership provides RCOT members with unique opportunities to expand their influence , professional development , and global engagement .
By complementing the local focus of RCOT , WFOT membership connects therapists with international networks , resources , and initiatives , enhancing their contributions to occupational therapy both in the UK and worldwide .
Global advocacy and influence WFOT represents occupational therapists on key international platforms , including the United Nations , World Health Organization and World Rehabilitation Alliance , ensuring the profession ’ s voice in critical global health discussions .
For RCOT members , this provides an avenue to influence policies addressing disability , rehabilitation , and mental health globally . Membership ensures UK occupational therapists are part of strategies shaping the future of occupational therapy .
Professional resources and collaboration Through WFOT , RCOT members gain access to innovative resources such as online learning tools and global forums , enabling collaboration with peers from diverse cultural and professional contexts . These opportunities foster evidence-based practice and knowledge-sharing , equipping members with new insights and approaches to apply in their UK-based work .
Growth and international opportunities WFOT membership offers avenues for personal and professional growth , including involvement in international projects aligned with individual expertise and discounted participation in major events , such as the WFOT International Congress .
These opportunities allow RCOT members to engage in meaningful cross-border collaborations , gaining recognition while broadening their professional perspective .
By combining WFOT and RCOT memberships , occupational therapists amplify their professional impact , access invaluable resources , and contribute to the global advancement of occupational therapy .
This dual membership ensures they remain at the forefront of both local and international developments , empowering them to lead and innovate within occupational therapy .
To join now , visit https :// wfot . org / membership / individual-members .
January 2025 OTnews 19