Using occupational therapists in vocational clinics in primary care: a feasibility study

Drummond, Avril; Coole, Carolyn; Nouri, Fiona; Ablewhite, Joanne; Smyth, Genevieve

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.

Citation

Drummond, A., Coole, C., Nouri, F., Ablewhite, J., & Smyth, G. (2020). Using occupational therapists in vocational clinics in primary care: a feasibility study. BMC Family Practice, 21(1), https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01340-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 26, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Dec 13, 2020
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 27, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Dec 1, 2020
• Journal: BMC Family Practice
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-2296
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01340-5
• Keywords: Family Practice
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5072719
• Publisher URL: https://bmcfampract.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-020-01340-5