Return to practice
Return to practice
RCOT resources
RCOT has an online hub of resources for occupational therapists who want to return to professional practice and those who support them . These resources are for :
• people with a diploma or degree in occupational therapy who want to return to professional practice
• potential / current supervisors of returners to practice
• potential / current placement providers of returners to practice .
Alongside blogs from RCOT and HCPC , there is a return to practice handbook , a webinar and where to go for further advice and support .
Celebrating success – returning to the register and back in the workplace
Returnees are now completing re-registration with HCPC and 10 % of the returnees on the course have already successfully returned to the workforce and are employed in range of roles , including emergent areas such as primary care .
Returnee feedback is overwhelmingly positive , describing it as ‘ life changing ’ and that it equips them with the confidence , knowledge and skills to practise . Their feedback also highlights that the design and agility of course has broken down barriers , enabling them to return to practice .
Chloe , an occupational therapist , reflects : ‘ Overall , I believe the virtual simulated placement is an excellent resource for gaining insight into the clinical environment . I think the mentoring programme is the best part in this course .’
Chrystal , also an occupational therapist , adds : ‘ I have found being able to complete the course at my own pace very helpful . The resources are also very appropriate to update my knowledge and skills . I found it challenging at first to underpin the theory to practice but refreshing my memory on searching databases and using relevant literature helped with this . Having online access is invaluable could not have completed module without it .’
While occupational therapist Jen said : ‘ I think the main barrier for me was ensuring I had the time to complete the course , as a busy mum of fur with a part-time job . We worked it out as a family to ensure I have dedicated study time .
‘ The support has been invaluable , not only from the course leader , but my practice mentor and fellow students . The virtual placement has high levels of realism , enough to excite me to really delve deep into the tasks . I structured my work around the VSP studies , which I found to be very realistic and 4D .
‘ They consider the practical constraints AHPs face , however I have added my own experience to them also . My mentor is an OT ward manager on a busy acute ward . Having a mentor allows me to have an eye of the real world of working OTs and her feedback and suggestions have been invaluable .’
Feedback from employers has also been positive with regards working with collective energy and commitment to maximise return to practice as a core part of their workforce strategy .
The impact across the country , the AHP regions , the professional bodies and the individual returnees has been a phenomenal result of the co-production ; bringing the four Pillars of Practice to life , from the creation and ongoing development of the course to the maximisation of their contribution to the aim of improving health outcomes for all , providing better quality care , and improving sustainability of health and care services .
Words DR KIM STUART , Occupational Therapist and Curriculum Lead for Occupational Therapy at Coventry University ; MARY BURTON , Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor for Occupational Therapy and Course Director for AHP Return to Practice course at Coventry University ; ANDY WINTER , CYP Nurse and Assistant Professor for Health Simulation at Coventry University . With thanks to Paul Chapman , Physiotherapist and NHSE WT & E National Programme Manager , and Natasha Pisarski , Physiotherapist and NHSE Return to Practice National Programme Manager . Contact AHPReturntoPractice @ Coventry . ac . uk or AHPReturntpPra1
Chloe Kim
Chrystal Dennis
Jen Pattinson
October 2023 OTnews 55