NEWS
New framework launched to address health inequalities
A new framework has been launched to support allied health professionals ( AHPs ) to consider and embed their role in positively contributing to health inequalities .
The ‘ AHP health inequalities framework ’, collaboratively produced by The King ’ s Fund and all 14 AHP bodies , on behalf of Public Health England , NHS England and NHS Improvement , has been created with insights from over 1,000 AHPs to help AHPs to find their own unique role in this area and to explore ways to maximise their contribution . The aim of the framework is to :
• provide information and raise awareness about the role AHPs play in tackling health inequalities ;
• support AHPs to consider and adapt their clinical practice to incorporate a greater awareness of health inequalities , and to maximise their contribution in this area ;
• provide practical examples that illustrate how AHPs are applying and translating this into practice ; and
• signpost AHPs to further support , inspiration and information to facilitate future work in tackling health inequalities . It is widely acknowledged that AHPs are well placed to play an important role in helping to improve health and tackle health inequalities and it is intended that this framework will support further work in this area .
With over four million client contacts every week , AHPs hold tremendous power to tackle health inequalities , and the current global pandemic is exacerbating existing health inequalities . Members of disadvantaged communities are more likely to be infected with COVID-19 and to ultimately die of the virus .
In addition , the indirect impact of the pandemic will be more severe on these communities , through its long-term impact on healthcare services , the economy and mental health .
Whatever your role , seniority , specialism or interest , the framework supports you to consider your role through six lenses : you as an individual ; your role in caring for individuals ; being a part of a team and service ; your involvement with communities and networks ; your involvement in the wider health and care system ; and your efforts to nurture the future .
For each of these six aspects , the framework encourages a focus on what AHPs need to know , the actions to take and their role as an advocate .
Karin Orman , RCOT assistant director for professional practice says : ‘ Occupational therapists often address health inequalities through the nature of our work . This framework supports practitioners to consider how and where they can influence change in addressing the social determinants of health for individuals , families and communities , whether that is at an individual practice level or at a service level .
‘ The pandemic has highlighted the significant inequalities across society , and it is incumbent on all occupational therapists to consider how and what we can do to address these for the populations we serve .
‘ RCOT is concentrating on health inequalities , focusing on access and availability to rehabilitation , housing , and employment . We are keen to hear from members on any work or research that they are involved in addressing these areas .’
Read ‘ My role in tackling health inequalities : a framework for allied health professionals ’ at : https :// www . kingsfund . org . uk / publications / tackling-health-inequalities-framework-allied-healthprofessionals . To tell RCOT about the research or work you are involved in that addresses these areas please email : Yailin . acosta @ rcot . co . uk .
No barrier to brilliance : 2021 Casson lecturer is announced
RCOT is delighted to announce that Anita Atwal , Associate Professor of Interprofessional Working at London South Bank University , will deliver the prestigious 2021 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture in November this year .
Anita has a particular interest in promoting interprofessional working , as well as researching active ageing and long-term conditions . She is committed to the principles of equality and diversity in the occupational therapy workforce , and since # BlacklivesMatter has found her voice and has been using it to promote the principles she believes in .
She is actively involved within the BAME OT network , and her current focus is on workforce issues in the profession and the need for action to move the profession forward to serve all citizens .
Anita , who is committed to the principles of mentoring and is an Elizabeth Casson mentor , a mentor to BAME occupational therapists , and to the NIHR Clinical Lecturer Programme , says : ‘ Elizabeth Casson was an innovator who has been described as “ eccentric ” and “ typically direct ”. In other words , she was not afraid to speak out , Anita Atwal push the boundaries and pioneer innovative occupational therapy practice .
‘ Speaking out is a core value of occupational therapy and the focus of this lecture will be to do just that – under the heading “ No barriers to brilliance ”. In relation to eccentricity , this lecture will highlight why it is time to deviate from the conventional norms of the profession and implement the principles of belonging .’
More details about the 2021 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture will be available soon . Visit : www . rcot . co . uk / news / 2021- elizabeth-casson-memorial-lecture-be-delivered-dr-anita-atwal .
OTnews July 2021 7