Development of the UK Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capabilities Framework: a national consensus initiative

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Occupational Therapy
• Health Workforce Development

Background:

• The need for a standardized framework for occupational therapists in rheumatology services is critical.
• Existing resources lack defined knowledge, skills, and behaviors for this specialized workforce.
• This gap impacts practice consistency, workforce planning, and professional growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and national consensus process for the Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capabilities Framework.
• To establish a consistent national reference for occupational therapy practice in rheumatology.
• To support workforce planning and professional development within rheumatology services.

Main Methods:

• A five-stage mixed-methods process was employed from May 2023 to September 2025.
• Included a UK-wide scoping survey, expert consultation, and alignment with national/international standards.
• Stakeholder review and endorsement by professional bodies were integral to the process.

Main Results:

• National consensus was achieved among rheumatology occupational therapists across all four UK nations.
• A four-domain, five-level capability framework was developed.
• The framework is mapped to NHS Agenda for Change bands and allied health professions practice levels.

Conclusions:

• A structured national consensus process successfully developed and endorsed a specialist capability framework for rheumatology occupational therapy.
• The framework received formal endorsement from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and the British Society for Rheumatology.
• This five-stage approach provides a transferable model for developing specialist capability frameworks in allied health professions.