Occupational Therapy News OTnews November 2019 | Page 11

NEWS Health and work champions showcased in review of work conversations in healthcare A review of conversations about work in healthcare has showcased the health and work champions model created by RCOT and Public Health England. The literature review, published by Public Health England, noted in its recommendations that the model could be quickly scaled up to better integrate work conversations into practice. Over 100 people have now been trained in the role. Champions are expected to deliver training to their nursing, medical and allied health profession colleagues so they can discuss employment when working with their patients, clients and service users. The review found that several initiatives had been launched in the last decade but few were directed specifically at stimulating conversations about work during routine clinical encounters. Barriers included a lack of a consistent, agreed description of what such conversations should look like, and little evidence from research or evaluation of what the outcome of such conversations are. The review recommends that more work is needed on the cultural attitudes among healthcare professionals; more resources are needed to start conversations; and having work conversations needs to be better integrated into practice. The research team included Rachel Martin, a senior occupational therapy lecturer at Salford University. Read the review at: www.bit.do/PHE-work-conversations. Find out more about the health and work champions at: www.rcot.co.uk/ health-and-work-champions. Come and see us on stand A25 at the OT Show and be one of the first to get a copy of our new book: ‘The Encyclopedia of Specialist Seating’ Only available at the OT Show! The CareFlex Encyclopedia of Specialist Seating is the ultimate guide for professionals who assess individuals for specialist seating. It will help you prescribe appropriate seating systems that promote comfort, encourage function and, most importantly, improve quality of life. www.careflex.co.uk | [email protected] N202 OTnews November 2019 11