A scoping survey for the UK rheumatology occupational therapy capabilities framework

Prior, Yeliz ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9831-6254, Battista, Simone ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7471-1951, Gregory, William J ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1186-5806, Bisset, Patricia, Derham, Sandra ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4163-5697, Dockrell, Dervil M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4656-6205, Livesey, Caroline ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8658-2065 and O’Callaghan, Gemma ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9837-2450 (2025) A scoping survey for the UK rheumatology occupational therapy capabilities framework. Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 9 (3). ISSN 2514-1775

Preview

Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (821kB) | Preview

Abstract

Lay Summary: What does this mean for patients? Occupational therapists (OTs) help people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions manage daily activities and employment, improving their quality of life. However, there are no clear guidelines to ensure they have the proper training to support their roles in rheumatology teams and guide career progression. To better understand their roles and developmental needs, an online survey was launched nationally and 88 OTs working in rheumatology completed this survey. Most OTs in the survey worked full time in hospitals, mainly at Band 6 or Band 7 levels. In the National Health Service, the Agenda for Change pay system groups most jobs into numbered bands based on responsibility and experience. Band 6 usually includes experienced or specialist OTs, while Band 7 typically covers more senior roles such as enhanced specialists or team leaders. They spent 75–90% of their time with patients, but almost a quarter (23%) felt they had not received enough formal training for their role in rheumatology. Participants carried out various tasks at work, such as evaluating and giving advice on daily activities, hand function and self-care skills. While most felt confident in their skills, some found it harder to understand medications, surgical treatments, patient education and choosing the right outcome measures. The results show a need for clear training and career development pathways to help OTs in rheumatology gain the right skills and provide better care. This could improve their professional growth and the support they offer to patients. A British Society for Rheumatology audit showed that not all rheumatology departments have OTs. However, this survey highlights just how important OTs are as part of the team and supports the case for having OTs in every rheumatology department across the UK.