by their workplace at both local and board level management in this undertaking .
Indeed , it is a requirement for initial approval that the trainee AC has a letter from their clinical director confirming opportunities to act as an AC and confirmation from their professional lead that the applicant will be supported to act as an AC ( Wales ).
Training
There is recommended training run by Exeter and Northumbria University and University College London . The training is a 12-month postgraduate course and runs twice a year in April and September . A two-day compulsory induction training is run by a variety of training providers at various times throughout the year .
One of the three AC trainees describes the AC application and training process as smooth : ‘ It was an internal application process , commencing with an expression of interest , which was then signed off by the steering committee , clinical and medical director and my line manager . They reviewed my application , interviewed me and reviewed my CV , then approved my application and allocated space on the AC training course .’
On a final note , Donvé says : ‘ I have been able to share my learning and benefits of the MPAC role with other occupational therapy colleagues and contribute to opportunities for other occupational therapists to consider this role as part of their development . Service users also benefit as they potentially have a choice of who their AC will be .
‘ As an MPAC , who is an occupational therapist , I believe I approach recovery and treatment differently and I can use this approach to enhance the service user experience . Anecdotal evidence suggests that MPAC involvement contributes to lower lengths of stay and shorter detentions under the Mental Health Act .’
Health Education England ( 2020 ) Multiprofessional approved / responsible clinician : Implementation guide . Available online : https :// bit . ly / 3DNtMRy [ accessed 28 October 2022 ]
Health Education England ( 2021 ) Approved / responsible clinician roles : Exploring the gap for occupational therapy .
Words AWELE ODEH , Director , The Work Stress Buster . Visit https :// theworkstressbuster . co . uk /
Awareness and events
One of the AC trainees heard of the AC role as they sit on the steering group for MPACs and they also had an established relationship with an MPAC within their trust . However , this is not the general case , as some occupational therapists are unaware that the option of training to be an AC exists .
However , more can be done and RCOT is planning an interactive virtual event and dedicated information will be made available on the website .
RCOT and HEE feel that it is important that this lack of uptake by occupational therapists is addressed and so it begs the question , how can more occupational therapists be informed of this opportunity and supported to go for it ?
What might be the obstacles that may prevent you from embarking on the AC training journey and how can these obstacles be overcome ?
To answer these questions , and more , RCOT has an interactive event designed to inform occupational therapists who are interested to know more , which is set to take place on 9 February 2023 . Look for booking information on social media .
We plan to have representatives from various stages of the application and training process who can answer any burning questions you may have . We are also planning to have presentations , a questionand-answer panel , and exercises to help you see if the AC role might be a viable option for you .
Reference group
Reference group members who are contributors to this RCOT project and are helping to inform the resources being collated are : Rachael Sanderson , Head of Allied Health Professions for Forensic and Specialist Services ; Sarah Carter , Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy , University of Derby ; Lucy Thomas , occupational therapy student ; Toni King , Consultant Occupational Therapist ; and Harriet Heaton-Pike , Senior Occupational Therapist Trainee Approved Clinician . and
32 OTnews November 2022