Community services: Waiting times for occupational therapy services within the community have fallen from two years to two weeks following the setting-up of multidisciplinary primary care teams, research to be presented tomorrow at the annual conference of the Association of Occupational Therapists of Ireland will show.
As a result of direct self-referral, adults suffering from a range of physical and mental health problems have benefited significantly.
Occupational therapy is one of the core services provided by the primary care team as outlined in the National Primary Care Strategy 2001. With 10 full-time equivalent occupational therapist posts at 10 sites throughout the Republic, each team provides services for a population of 4,000-7,000 patients.
For the first time, occupational therapists now work in primary care centres along with GPs, practice nurses, social workers, physiotherapists and home help providers. This model of integrated primary care aims to provide 90 per cent of the public's health needs at one location.
It is planned that there will be 100 primary care teams throughout the State by the end of the year. However, it is estimated that 600 such teams will be needed across the country if everyone is to have access to the same level of services.
This new method of service provision has improved communication between team members and outside agencies, promoting more effective interventions and greater continuity of care for patients.
A significant proportion of the therapist's time, along with that of other primary care professionals, is spent supporting older people to remain at home and to be actively involved in their local community.
These findings on the developing role of occupational therapy in primary care will be presented at a workshop led by Alma Joyce, senior occupational therapist, The Liberties Primary Care Team, and her colleagues.
The three-day conference, at the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin, marks the 40th Anniversary of the association.
Minister for Health Mary Harney is due to open the event at which 250 delegates are expected attend.