Supporting workers with musculoskeletal conditions: a survey of United Kingdom occupational therapists' communications with clients and their employers

Coole, C, Drummond, A, Watson, PJ, Worthington, E and Hammond, A ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5266-9991 2013, 'Supporting workers with musculoskeletal conditions: a survey of United Kingdom occupational therapists' communications with clients and their employers' , The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76 (11) , pp. 478-486.

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Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal conditions are a common cause of sickness absence and work disability. Little is known about the work-related advice and support that occupational therapists provide to this client group and their employers. The purpose of this study was to report on current occupational therapy practice in this area in the United Kingdom. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted, of United Kingdom occupational therapists treating employed clients with musculoskeletal conditions in community or outpatient settings. Questionnaires were posted to 960 hospitals or units,identified through National Health Service websites to reach as many respondents as possible, and the survey was also available online. Findings: 257 respondents reported on their provision of work-related advice and support. Of these, over 30% (n = 82) reported that this involved a moderate amount of their time; 60% (n = 154) had experience of contacting employers and 21% (n = 55) had met with clients’ employers in the previous year. Time and resources, concern about legal implications, and having the appropriate skills had an impact on communication between therapists and employers. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate considerable variations in service delivery, interventions, and the contact made with employers. These need urgent attention if the profession is to meet the challenges of the government’s agenda for improving health at work.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Health Sciences Research
Journal or Publication Title:	The British Journal of Occupational Therapy
Publisher:	College of Occupational Therapists
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0308-0226
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	UK Occupational Therapy Research Foundation
Depositing User:	RH Shuttleworth
Date Deposited:	19 Feb 2015 10:24
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2018 01:07
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/33489

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