Occupational Therapy Services: Assessments, Adaptations and Equipment

Healthwatch Trafford undertook research on the experiences of patients accessing occupational therapy and adaptive equipment, both during and post the main Covid-19 pandemic. In the period 27 June 2022 to 19 August 2022, 33 GPs responded to their survey and Healthwatch Trafford spoke to local community groups.

A majority of respondents estimated referrals related to OT assessment or reassessment had increased in the last 18 months.

Whilst most knew what the inclusion criteria are for assessment, roughly a third of respondents were not clear.

Waiting times were estimated between 6-12 months for assessment following referral.

A high proportion of respondents felt there to be an impact on their workload due to the length of waiting times for assessment to take place (approximately 80%).

Multiple stakeholders provided anecdotal evidence that suggests numerous issues exist around accessing OT and adaptations services. However, there is little readily available physical evidence to support this.

Healthwatch Trafford heard from community groups that there may have been issues accessing OT related services over the pandemic. However, they were not able to gather more in-depth public comment or published evidence to support this.

The report recommends wider discussion between stakeholders on meaningful sets of data related to their activities, looking at issues around the supply chain for adaptations such as wheelchairs or home modifications, and undertaking work to look at reducing waiting times for an initial OT assessment.

Following this report, Healthwatch Trafford plans to monitor the ongoing situation to better signpost potential enquiries and represent local people in various forums, as well as to manage public expectations of OT services.