A scoping survey for the UK rheumatology occupational therapy capabilities framework

An online survey was conducted to explore the clinical roles and expertise of rheumatology occupational therapists (OTs) to inform the development of a UK-specific capabilities framework to enhance care quality and career progression.

A working group established through the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) designed and disseminated an online survey via social media and profession-specific networks. Snowball sampling was employed. The survey collected data on job roles, work settings, satisfaction levels, perceived National Health Service Agenda for Change banding appropriateness and comfort with the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Core Competencies. Responses underwent descriptive analysis.

Eighty-eight rheumatology OTs participated in the survey. Most worked full time (18.2%) at Band 6 (44.3%) or Band 7 (46.6%), primarily in acute settings (73.9%). The majority (75-90%) dedicated their time to direct clinical contact, with 75% feeling their job description accurately reflected their role and 23% reporting they had not had sufficient formal training to perform their job role. Participants performed a wide range of job roles, including assessment and advice on activities of daily living (97.7%), hand function (100%), self-management education (96.6%) and fatigue management education (95.5%). Comfort with applying EULAR competency recommendations was generally high, but 11% reported difficulty assessing the educational needs of people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and 9% with the ability to select and apply outcome measures.

The findings highlight the need for a structured capabilities framework for UK OTs in rheumatology to improve standardisation, career progression and quality of care.