Research and audit

1) Occupational therapists working on the Neurosciences unit are participating in multidisciplinary research looking at the evaluation of coma.

2) An audit programme is being developed encompassing routine audits of:

  • Documentation

  • College of Occupational Therapy standards

  • Stroke care standards

  • Head injury standards

3) A pilot study has been completed of occupational therapy input for surgical patients before admission for surgery. The pilot study demonstrated a decrease in length of stay for patients undergoing occupational therapy intervention in clinic.

Development

A clinical governance plan charts developments within the Occupational Therapy department. Some key projects include:

1) Development of evidence-based practice groups to evaluate clinical evidence and develop treatment guidelines for local use.

2) Development of a robust framework for professional development.

3) Integration of occupational therapy notes into the medical chart.

4) Introduction of a electronic referral system for inpatients.

5) IM & T
In conjunction with other members of Therapy Services (Physiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy, Nutrition & Dietetics), the Occupational Therapy Department is pursuing an IM & T Strategy to procure a new Therapy Data Collection and Patient management system. The ultimate aim being to provide a paperless service to our patients, reduce administration time and therefore maximise time for patient care.

Planned developments

1) To enhance occupational therapy intervention to patients undergoing orthopaedic intervention through the use of:

(a) group activities in hospital
(b) follow-up post discharge

2) To enhance patient participation in goal setting on the Stroke and Rehabilitation Unit

3) Development of the occupational therapy service provided to patients who are diagnosed with osteoporosis

For further information contact: The Occupational Therapy Department, Box 174 (Level 1), Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel (general enquiries): 01223 216 768; Outpatients Tel: 01223 216 769; Fax: 01223 217 075; E-mail: occupationaltherapy@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Last updated: 2 September 2004
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