Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do, or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement. This article explores the role, qualifications, and areas of specialisation of occupational therapists, backed by scientific sources.
Role of Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists are trained professionals who help individuals of all ages overcome challenges in performing everyday activities or “occupations” due to physical, mental, developmental, or emotional complications. Their role involves assessing clients’ needs, developing personalised treatment plans, and using therapeutic activities to improve their clients’ ability to perform daily tasks. According to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), OTs play a crucial role in helping individuals gain or regain independence in all areas of their lives (WFOT, 2012).
Qualifications of Occupational Therapists
To become an occupational therapist, one must complete a university degree in occupational therapy. This program includes theoretical learning, practical skills development, and clinical placements. In Australia, upon completing their degree, graduates must register with the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (AHPRA) before practicing. Continuous professional development is also required to maintain registration and ensure the highest standards of practice are met.
Areas of Specialisation
Occupational therapists work across a wide range of settings, including hospitals, community health centers, schools, and private practice. They may specialise in areas such as:
- Pediatrics: Focusing on helping children develop or improve skills necessary for daily activities at school and home (Case-Smith, 2013).
- Gerontology: Aiding older adults in maintaining independence and participating in meaningful activities (Gitlin, 1996).
- Mental Health: Supporting individuals with mental health issues to engage in everyday activities (Rebeiro Gruhl & Lauckner, 2012).
- Physical Rehabilitation: Assisting people recovering from injuries to regain skills and providing supports for those experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
The Impact of Occupational Therapy
The impact of occupational therapy is profound and well-documented. Research has shown that occupational therapy interventions can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with various conditions. For instance, a study by Steultjens et al. (2003) in Rheumatology demonstrated the effectiveness of occupational therapy in improving the functional ability of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Is OT Covered by NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia represents a significant reform in how services are provided to people with disability, promoting their independence, social and economic participation. Among the various supports funded by the NDIS, occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in assisting participants to achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life.
Occupational Therapy under the NDIS
Given the central goals of the NDIS to foster independence and participation, OT services align closely with the scheme’s objectives.
According to the NDIS (2021), occupational therapy services are indeed covered under the scheme when they are deemed reasonable and necessary supports linked to the participant’s disability. These services can include assessments, individualized planning, and interventions aimed at enhancing participants’ abilities to perform everyday activities, thereby contributing to achieving their plan’s goals.
Criteria for OT Services Coverage
For OT services to be funded by the NDIS, they must meet specific criteria:
- Related to the Participant’s Disability: OT services must be directly related to the participant’s disability and required for them to live an ordinary life.
- Value for Money: The supports must represent value for money in that the costs of the services are reasonable, relative to both the benefits achieved and the cost of alternative support.
- Effective and Beneficial: There must be evidence to suggest that the OT service is likely to be effective and beneficial for the participant, considering current good practice.
- Not Funded Elsewhere: The NDIS does not cover day-to-day living costs associated with a person’s disability support needs that are not related to the person’s disability.
Examples of OT Services Funded by the NDIS
- Functional Capacity Assessments: Evaluating a participant’s ability to perform daily activities and recommending strategies or modifications.
- Equipment Recommendations: Assessing for and recommending adaptive equipment to enhance independence.
- Home Modifications: Providing advice on home modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
- Capacity Building: Developing skills for independence in daily living, including personal care, community participation, and employment.
Conclusion
Occupational therapists play a vital role in the health and well-being of individuals across the lifespan. By focusing on enhancing people’s ability to engage in meaningful activities, OTs contribute significantly to improving life quality and independence. Their work is evidence-based, person-centred, and deeply impactful, making occupational therapy a critical field within the healthcare landscape.
By adhering to the NDIS’s criteria of being related to the participant’s disability, representing value for money, and being effective and beneficial, OT services can be included in an NDIS plan. This coverage underscores the scheme’s commitment to providing comprehensive support for Australians with disabilities, enabling them to achieve their goals and participate fully in life.
References
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). (2012). Definition of Occupational Therapy.
- Case-Smith, J. (2013). Systematic review of interventions to promote social-emotional development in young children with or at risk for disability. American Journal of Occupational Therapy.
- Gitlin, L. N. (1996). Why older people accept or reject assistive technology. Generations, 20(1), 41-46.
- Rebeiro Gruhl, K. L., & Lauckner, H. M. (2012). The role of occupational therapy in community-based programming for clients with mental illness. Occupational Therapy in Health Care.
- Steultjens, E. M., Dekker, J., Bouter, L. M., van Schaardenburg, D., van Kuyk, M. A., & van den Ende, C. H. (2003). Occupational therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. Rheumatology.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme. (2021). Operational Guidelines: Including Supports in a Participant’s Plan. Retrieved from the NDIS website.
How to get in touch
If you or your patient/NDIS clients need immediate mental healthcare assistance, feel free to get in contact with us on 1800 NEAR ME – admin@calmandcaring.com.
