Boost your research in 2024 with an RCOT Research Foundation grant

Are you pursuing a career in occupational therapy research in 2024 ? Through RCOT ’ s Research Foundation grants you can apply for one of up to five awards totalling up to £ 140,000 – all to develop the future of occupational therapy , support occupational therapy researchers and develop research leaders . Visit the website to find your grant and apply before 5pm , Wednesday 14 February 2024 www . rcot . co . uk / news / research-foundation-grants-2024 .

New publications for occupational therapists in neonatal services

Do you work in neonatal care ? Use RCOT ’ s updated staffing recommendations and professional development framework to increase and develop your services . To ensure commissioners know what ’ s needed and managers can advocate this , RCOT has updated the document Occupational therapy staffing on neonatal units . Additionally , to help OTs who work , or are interested in working in neonatal care development , RCOT has recently published the Professional development framework for OTs working in neonatal care . Visit https :// bit . ly / 48Gt7jg .

Access to vital therapies for children and young people impacted by cost-of-living crisis

The cost-of-living crisis is making it more difficult for children and young people to access the therapies and interventions they need , say almost two-thirds ( 65 %) of paediatric occupational therapists .

This stems from RCOT ’ s newly released children and young people ’ s survey 2023 . The survey also found the cost-of-living crisis is contributing to delays , which are affecting the health , development and wellbeing of children , young people , and their families .

The report , which surveyed 698 OTs working with children and young people across the UK , reveals the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis . Since the start of 2023 , OTs have noticed an increase in the number of families struggling with their finances , such as :

• Financial distress : just under half ( 47 %) said families are so worried about money that they can ’ t prioritise occupational therapy or follow occupational therapy recommendations .

• Work-related constraints : around half ( 49 %) said families are either unable or unwilling to take time off work to attend OT appointments .

• Reducing activities : more than half ( 56 %) said families have had to cut back on recommended activities that would support their child ’ s development and wellbeing , such as swimming lessons .

• Unsuitable accommodation : two-thirds ( 66 %) of those surveyed said families are now living in unsuitable housing conditions .

As a result , children and young people are not receiving timely access to necessary interventions , which has far-reaching consequences .

It not only impacts children ’ s mental health , education , and development but also affects the mental wellbeing of their parents and family life as a whole . A staggering four in five ( 78 %) children ’ s occupational therapists who responded to the survey reported that limited access to occupational therapy services is adversely affecting the mental health of children .

Additionally , more than seven in 10 ( 71 %) cited a negative impact on children ’ s education , while almost two-thirds ( 63 %) noted that children ’ s and young people ’ s needs are becoming more acute .

RCOT ’ s recommendations for political and health and care leaders include :

• Understanding demand : Understand the rising demand for children ’ s occupational therapy services and address capacity gaps to ensure timely access for children and young people .

• Positioning occupational therapy for impact : Place occupational therapists where they can have the most impact , including schools ; hospitals ; early intervention services ; and specialist services , such as CAMHS and Youth Justice services .

• Integrated services : Promote integration within health , education , and care systems to ensure resources are utilised efficiently and referral pathways are clear and co-ordinated in order to meet individual needs .

• Workforce expansion : Expand the occupational therapy workforce to ensure adequate staff with the necessary skills to support children , young people , and families .

• Investment in equipment : Streamlining and investing in housing , equipment and adaptation services to provide prompt assistance to children and young people so they can take part in everyday life .

8 OTnews October 2023