Occupational Therapists (OTs) work as part of a team of healthcare professionals providing services to palliative care patients across a range of care settings. These include the patients’ home environment, hospital (acute and community), residential aged-care facilities and hospice/palliative care units (in-patient, day hospice and specialist community services). Referral to an OT can occur at any point along the continuum of care of a patient with a life-limiting condition. Early referral (Figure 43.1) enables the OT to identify current and prospective clinical issues and respond in a proactive and timely manner, minimising the potential for crisis intervention at a later stage. It facilitates management of symptoms, optimises functional performance, supports adaptive coping and enhances the quality of remaining life.
The occupational therapist
Introduction
Referral to an OT
Role of the OT and the OT process in palliative care
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