Occupational health patient ’ s manager . A follow-up review session or occupational health rehabilitation is provided , depending on the patient ’ s health condition or support needs required , to keep them in work or to assist them in returning to work .’
Occupational health patient ’ s manager . A follow-up review session or occupational health rehabilitation is provided , depending on the patient ’ s health condition or support needs required , to keep them in work or to assist them in returning to work .’
For Emily , her working week consists of a mix of initial assessments and follow up sessions . ‘ During the initial assessments , I gather information about the staff member and what their problem is and how it is affecting their role ,’ she says .
‘ I will communicate with the manager on a regular basis about the return-to-work plan . In the follow up sessions , I will review any equipment needs , recommendations , interventions that have been discussed in previous sessions .
‘ If any changes or further recommendations need to be made , these will be communicated to the manager . I also complete display screen equipment assessments with staff members and workplace assessments on a weekly basis .
‘ As this a new development within my occupational health service , I have dedicated time for service development . I also attend a weekly clinical discussion meeting with other AHPs . And in recent months , I have completed prevention sessions to staff members on topics including stress management and burnout .’
Maya says the ‘ main takeaways ’ from her experience of occupational health are the importance of work as an occupation for many people and how imperative this is as an occupational therapist to provide support for individuals to stay in or return to work , and in some cases , to access work .
‘ There is tremendous scope for OTs to be placed in the occupational health setting , due to the unique role we play compared with other members of the multidisciplinary team ,’ she says .
‘ We provide support to staff , not only from a physical or health aspect , but also to support individuals holistically , where mental health and wellbeing are salient in providing person-centred care .
‘ In this emerging practice setting , the skills and experiences learnt during my training are both relevant and transferable to the occupational health setting . I would advise any student being offered an opportunity of practice placement in this setting to seize the chance .’
Emily concludes by adding : ‘ Occupational therapy skills and knowledge are very suited to this role , and you don ’ t need to know every condition or disability . It is very holistic to staff members ’ needs , to help them manage their day-to-day role and I find it enormously rewarding , supporting other NHS staff to manage at work .’
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Department for Work and Pensions ( 2008 ) Working for a healthier tomorrow : work and health in Britain . Available at bit . ly / 44CYcRP [ accessed 5 May 2023 ].
Institute of Health Equity ( 2010 ) Fair Society , Healthy Lives ( The Marmot Review ). Available at bit . ly / 3Z5lOxi [ accessed 5 May 2023 ].
NHS England ( 2023 ) Growing occupational health and wellbeing together strategy . Available at bit . ly / 44BQWFL [ accessed 6 September 2023 ].
Words MAYA CAAN , newly qualified occupational therapist , and EMILY KENWORTHY , Band 7 Occupational Therapist , Occupational Health North London Shared Partner Service emilykenworthy @ nhs . net
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