The development and evaluation of a vocational rehabilitation training programme for rheumatology occupational therapists

O'Brien, R; Woodbridge, S; Hammond, A; Adkin, J; Culley, J

Abstract

People with inflammatory arthritis rapidly develop work disability, yet there is limited provision of vocational
rehabilitation (VR) in rheumatology departments. As part of a randomized, controlled trial, ten occupational
therapists (OTs) were surveyed to identify their current VR provision and training needs. As a result, a VR training course
for OTs was developed which included both taught and self-directed learning. The course included: employment and
health and safety legislation, work assessment and practical application of ergonomic principles at work.

Pre-, immediately post- and two months post-training, the ten OTs completed a questionnaire about their VR
knowledge and confidence On completion, they reported a significant increase (p<0.01)in their knowledge and
confidence when delivering vocational rehabilitation. They rated the course as very or extremely relevant, although
seven recommended more practical sessions. The preference for practical sessions was highlighted, in that the aspects
they felt most beneficial were role-playing assessments and sharing ideas through discussion and presentations.

In conclusion, the course was considered effective in increasing both knowledge and confidence in using VR as an
intervention, but, due to time constraints within the working day, some of the self-directed learning should be
incorporated into the training days.

Citation

O'Brien, R., Woodbridge, S., Hammond, A., Adkin, J., & Culley, J. (2013). The development and evaluation of a vocational rehabilitation training programme for rheumatology occupational therapists. Musculoskeletal Care, 11(2), 99-105. https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1050

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Feb 19, 2015
• Journal: Musculoskeletal Care
• Print ISSN: 1478-2189
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-0681
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 99-105
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/msc.1050
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/msc.1050
• Related Public URLs: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1557-0681