Occupational Therapy News OTnews May 2020 | Page 46

FEATURE COVID-19
More than just the outcome
of an application
Claire Reid and the Blue
Badge Assessors Working
Group in Scotland look at
the Blue Badge scheme in
the context of COVID-19
and the importance of
maintaining personal
contact with applicants in
the face of the pandemic
46 OTnews May 2020
F
ollowing the outbreak of COVID-19, the Scottish Independent Mobility Assessors
were required to adapt quickly to continue to provide the person-focused
assessment service for all Blue Badge applicants.
A Blue Badge application is often the very first time that an individual asks for
help, which is a crucial stage, acting as an early warning mechanism, that allows the health
professionals working as independent mobility assessors the opportunity to find out about the
applicant’s wellbeing.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, supporting people through this difficult time is vital. Often the
face-to-face assessment is the first time an applicant has met a health professional and it is a
great opportunity for checking on how someone is getting on, finding out if they need extra help,
and linking them up to services by signposting.
Applicants often comment that their Blue Badge assessment was the first time that they
really spoke about their difficulties. However, when social distancing was introduced in line with
government advice, face-to-face assessments had to cease.
New methods of working have needed to be found. Desk-based assessments have been
adapted to include telephone-based services and video facilities.
Continuing to be able to contact applicants in person provides an opportunity to explain to
vulnerable people about coronavirus precautions and how to continue to manage their daily lives
during the period of restricted movement.