UK occupational therapy workforce survey 2024-25: A baseline for workforce transformation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Research
• Occupational Therapy Practice
• Health Services Management

Background:

• The United Kingdom (UK) occupational therapy (OT) workforce is under pressure from rising demand and staff shortages.
• A national workforce strategy was developed in 2024, requiring baseline data for progress evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather baseline data on the UK OT workforce's demographics, diversity, and experiences.
• To inform the national workforce strategy by identifying key challenges and retention factors.

Main Methods:

• A national survey utilizing adaptive sampling to ensure comprehensive UK OT workforce representation.
• Data collected on practitioner demographics, experiences, service demand, stress levels, job satisfaction, evidence use, and technology confidence.

Main Results:

• 2,277 occupational therapists responded (4.32% of registered practitioners).
• 67% reported increased service demand, driven by complex conditions.
• High stress (41%) coexists with job satisfaction (57%), with helping others and direct contact as key retention factors.
• Service user feedback is prioritized over research evidence; AI confidence is low (6%) despite perceived potential (57%).
• Understaffing and system capacity gaps are major challenges (46% each).

Conclusions:

• The UK OT workforce is resilient but faces significant systemic pressures.
• Priority actions include addressing staffing, enhancing evidence-based practice, improving digital literacy, and supporting workforce motivation.
• Findings offer baseline data with international relevance for occupational therapy workforce planning.