Occupational therapy
The role of an occupational therapist within the neurological rehabilitation service is to work with patients to identify, through assessment, the areas of function affected by their illness or disability. Following this, functional goals are identified and treatment plans implemented to maximise their independence in these areas.
Interventions include assessment and treatment of impairments such as motor, sensory, fatigue, cognition and perception related to how they impact on:
- Personal care activities
- Domestic tasks
- Work skills
- Leisure interests
- Community skills
- Social skills
- Home environment
- Posture management and seating
- Upper limb function
The Canadian Model of Occupational Performance (COPM) is used to structure all assessment. The COPM addresses all areas of function under the titles of self care, productivity and leisure.
Services and programmes
Inpatient service
Each patient will receive an intensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme, including one to one occupational therapy and group sessions.
Outpatient service
Outpatients are seen at the OCE, in their homes or other relevant community settings, as dependent on assessed needs.
Continuing Disability Management Service (CDMS)
Patients will be reviewed and interventions provided by the multidisciplinary team including occupational therapy when they attend the day hospital.
Leisure service
Leisure and woodwork activities are used as therapeutic media to assist patients to achieve their rehabilitation goals. This can include the development of work skills and the introduction to new leisure activities.
Group programmes
- Fatigue Management – a 10 week programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis
- BOOST – a 6 week education based self-management programme for people with long term neurological conditions
- Upper limb rehabilitation group
- Saebo flex group – use of a specialist orthosis to facilitate grasp and release for patients who have reduced hand function
- Relaxation group – teaching the theory and practical aspects of relaxation
- Photography group – using photography as a media to work on rehabilitation goals
- Breakfast group – a social group facilitating practice of cooking based rehabilitation goals
- Gardening group – using gardening as a media to work on rehabilitation goals and develop new leisure interests
Clinical teaching
The department is involved in occupational therapy training and has students throughout the year from Oxford Brookes University and Coventry University.
Referrals
Referrals should be made in accordance with the OCE neurological rehabiliation referral process:
Referrals can be made by health care professionals working with a client, such as:
- HCPC registered occupational therapists who have specialised in neurological rehabilitation
- Rotational occupational therapists
- Occupational therapy assistants
- Occupational therapy technical instructors
- Rehabilitation assistants
Contact us
Team Leader: Alison Bragg
Email: neuro.otoce@nhs.net
Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.30pm