Occupational health
I ’ ve learnt a vast amount , which I will be able to transfer to my future practice as an occupational therapist , and because of this positive placement experience , I ’ m keen to apply for a role in this setting in the future .”
Occupational health
Feature
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ccupational therapists working in occupational health help staff in a range of job roles remain in and return to work , coupled with encouraging and promoting health and wellbeing .
Work is a core occupation and is known to help improve all areas of physical health and wellbeing , as evidenced in Working for a healthier tomorrow : work and health in Britain , where Dame Carol Black identifies challenges in improving health , work and wellbeing , and sets out recommendations for reform , and 2010 ’ s Fair Society , Healthy Lives ( The Marmot Review ).
While the recent NHS England Growing occupational health and wellbeing together strategy , highlighted the plan to increase allied health professionals within occupational Health services .
Occupational therapy student Maya Caan has just completed a placement at King ’ s College Hospital in the Occupational Health and Therapies Department . She explains how her interest in occupational health was sparked . ‘ Through the random placement allocation process , I discovered that there is an emerging practice for occupational therapy students within the occupational health setting .’
Maya was offered a placement , led by occupational therapist Veronica Swainson , and while she had ‘ no idea what to expect ’ and was ‘ initially dubious about what the occupational therapy setting would offer ’ in enhancing and improving her training , she says ‘ unequivocally ’ it has been her best placement experience to date .
‘ I ’ ve learnt a vast amount , which I will be able to transfer to my future practice as an occupational therapist , and because of this positive placement experience , I ’ m keen to apply for a role in this setting in the future .’
Emily Kenworthy , a Band 7 Occupational Therapist in the Occupational Health North London Shared Partner Service ( NLPSS ), has been establishing occupational therapy input in her occupational health service .
She adds : ‘ During my time as rotational occupational therapist , I became interested in health promotion , which led me to completing and graduating with a Master ’ s in Public Health and Health Promotion . I was then given the opportunity to work in a health promotion role as part of one of the NHS England Wellbeing hubs for NHS and social care staff .
‘ With this role , I became more interested in supporting NHS staff and helping them return or stay in work , and I started my new role working in occupational health in September 2022 .’
I ’ ve learnt a vast amount , which I will be able to transfer to my future practice as an occupational therapist , and because of this positive placement experience , I ’ m keen to apply for a role in this setting in the future .”
On what her placement has taught her about occupational health , Maya adds : ‘ I think many people have this perception that occupational health services are primary or basic in what they provide to either support staff to remain in work or return to work .
‘ But it ’ s manifold and doesn ’ t only focus on a person ’ s physical or health condition . From an occupational therapy approach , we treat patients holistically , addressing general health and wellbeing , which is also the ethos of what our profession advocates .’
The occupational health department provides a wide range of services that aim to help staff improve and maintain health and look after their wellbeing at work . The team comprises of occupational therapists , physiotherapists , occupational health physicians , doctors , psychologists , nurses , healthcare advisors , administrative staff , and education and training support staff , all with occupational health specialist experience .
The plethora of services and support that occupational therapists in this setting provide , can range from workplace assessments , analysis of job demands , functional capacity evaluation , modified work , education and self-management strategies , phased / graduated return to work , prescribing equipment , ergonomics and human factors .
‘ You are able to apply your knowledge , training and skills in the occupational health setting as you would in any other occupational therapy placement setting ,’ Maya reflects .
September 2023 OTnews 25