Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2020 | Page 43

LEADERSHIP FEATURE
One can probably get away by just ‘managing’ the service if there
are already operational systems in place. However, an occupational
therapy clinical leader can organise and develop the service
differently.
An important aspect is to provide direction and lead on innovative
ways of working, for example adopting an occupational therapy
conceptual model of practice, a person-centred/family-centred care
approach, research, and evidence-based practice.
Since the surge of development in the mid-1970s, occupational
therapy conceptual models have grown and undergone many
changes. Models are upheld by occupational therapy as symbolising
the cornerstones of its practice.
I introduced and adopted different models of practice in service
delivery, most currently the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO)
Model, developed by Mary Law in 1990s.
Adopting a conceptual model in service delivery will help to unify
the image of the profession, ensure consistency of work carries out
by all staff, and employ the most cost-effective assessment and
treatment strategies.
I have also acquired advanced research skills through my Master
of Science degree and PhD study. It does help me to implement
evidence-based practice more effectively.
Although a leader does not need to be a good researcher, he
or she needs to be able to critically appraise published research
studies, assimilate valid observation from clinical experience,
collaborate with researchers and apply research data into clinical
practice.
It is important to note that clinical experience
informs research, which in turn validates clinical
observation.
The current thinking in evidence-based
Are there
practice is that the application of the best
genes to be a good
in the workplace, for example coaching
research-derived evidence, clinician’s
leader? The answer is
leadership, visionary leadership and
expertise and client’s values of treatment
transformational leadership.
is provided in order to achieve the best
no, as nobody is born
However, leadership is not a ‘one size
outcomes.
to be a good
fits all’ thing. It is important to note that most
We do not have published research
leader.
leaders adopt a variety of styles to achieve
evidence in every aspect of our work. Some
goals at different times in different situations.
important knowledge and skills are shared
Most literature in leadership focuses on the
through clinical experience and expertise, and
behaviours and actions of leaders. These ‘soft’ skills/
learning from service users on their values of treatment
behavioural traits are very important. However, to be a
provided.
successful leader you also need the ‘hard’ technical knowledge in
A leader with good clinical expertise and research skill will be in a
different dimension of practice.
better position to provide direction on this.
If you do not have the tools, you cannot perform the tasks
efficiently and lead the team effectively.
Leadership in management, service development and
‘‘
Leadership in clinical practice, research and evidence-
based practice
In the NHS, there can be the belief that you do not need to have a
high level of clinical expertise, relevant clinical experience or even
an occupational therapy qualification to manage an occupational
therapy service.
improvement
I did my NHS first-line management training in the late 1980s and
numerous training courses throughout my career. I learned and
applied various management theories, concepts and tools of health
service management.
In 2007, I was sent to attend the International Forum on Quality
and Safety in Healthcare, in Barcelona, by Ealing Primary Care Trust,
OTnews February 2020 43