EWJ 60 April 2025 web - Journal - Page 63
Navigating Nuances:
Maria Morris and Redz Lenfield, Occupational Therapy Experts from Circle Case
Management delve into Mastering Expert Care OT Reports in Ireland vs the UK –
the crucial role of cultural and legal differences.
In 2023 there were over 20,000 personal injury claims
submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board in Ireland.
This represents an increase of 10%.
inclusive care. Today, OT plays a vital role in helping
individuals of all ages engage in meaningful and purposeful activities, promoting health, independence,
and quality of life.
What is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational Therapy (OT); a confusing title for a
broad yet empowering and powerful job role. At its
core, OT, to borrow the modern saying, helps people
to live their best lives. It is a crucial healthcare profession which was beginning to establish itself in 1917
during World War I in the USA. Many soldiers returned home with injuries, both physical and mental,
and the need for rehabilitation was high. Early OT
practices were employed to help solider recover and
reintegrate into society.
There is still confusion amongst many people about
the role of OT and what it is. There are many misconceptions, including the belief that OTs support
people to find jobs due to the word ‘occupation,’ or
confusing the profession with Occupational Health, a
separate profession which focuses on promoting the
physical, mental and social wellbeing of workers.
Whilst OT has a role to play in people’s employment
and work-life balance, it is not why the profession
exists.
‘Occupation’ in OT refers to any meaningful activity,
whether that’s self-care, leisure, or community participation. OT covers a wide range of activities, from
helping someone recover from a stroke, assisting children with developmental challenges, to supporting
those with mental health conditions. This variety
makes it harder for people to pinpoint exactly what
Occupational Therapists do.
The development of OT since 1917 has been marked
by significant milestones that have shaped the profession into what it is today. From its early beginnings in
the context of post-war rehabilitation to its current
role in healthcare, education and community settings,
OT has evolved considerably. The profession continues to evolve with advances in technology, research
and an increasing emphasis on global health and
EXPERT WITNESS JOURNAL
61
APRIL 2025
