Using occupational therapists in vocational clinics in primary care: a feasibility study
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Open Access
Using occupational therapists in vocational clinics in primary care: a feasibility study Avril Drummond1* , Carolyn Coole1, Fiona Nouri1, Jo Ablewhite1 and Genevieve Smyth2
Abstract Background: GPs are under considerable pressure providing routine care. However, they may not be the most appropriate professionals to manage getting patients back to work, and keeping them there. Objective: To test the feasibility of delivering occupational therapy-led vocational clinics (OTVoc) to provide return to work advice and support for people with musculoskeletal conditions and mental health problems, in primary care. Methods: Prospective mixed methods study in two primary care centres (eight GP surgeries). We collected anonymised service level data on all patients receiving OTVoc. Next, patient participants who met inclusion criteria and consented, undertook baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Interviews were also conducted to explore stakeholders’ views- GPs, Nurse Practitioners, Front Desk Staff, Occupational Therapists, patients and their employers about OTVoc- and included study eligibility, referral, experiences and attitudes to return to work. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: The majority of standardized measures showed some improvement over the study period: the sickness absence rate dropped from 71 to 15% and use of GP ‘fit’ notes reduced from 76 to 6%. Interview data indicated positive attitudes to OTVoc, the use of the fit note and the Allied Health Professions Health and Work Reports (AHP H&WRs). GPs felt that OTVoc reduced their workload. Conclusion: Further research is feasible and warranted. OTVoc was positively received and stakeholders believed it was effective in getting patients back to work or preparing for their return. There was enthusiasm for extending service eligibility criteria, suggesting potential for further development and evaluation.
Key messages GPs may not be the most appropriate professionals
to manage back to work issues OTs already have the therapeutic skills to deliver
this advice and support. Patients felt the OTs had more time to deal with
their work issues Sickness absence rate reduced over the study period GPs, other staff and employers regarded the OT
input positively * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
Lay summary We wanted to test whether an Occupational Therapyled vocational clinic (OTVoc), to provide return to work advice and support for people with work problems, in primary care, was feasible. We conducted a study at eight GP surgeries. We examined anonymous data and conducted a mixed methods study. Patient participants, who consented, undertook baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Interviews were also conducted to explore the views of stakeholders about the clinics. These in
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