Medicines
The majority of people that occupational therapists work with depend on medications to prevent illness, manage symptoms of disease and maintain their health.
Occupational therapists frequently work with individuals whose needs or diagnoses cause them to be reliant upon one or more medicines for treatment, maintenance or emergency purposes. It is therefore important that all practitioners have a working knowledge of the medicines relevant to those they work with. Occupational therapists should have an understanding of the types of medicines used in relevant acute and long-term conditions, how they are used and their possible side effects. Practitioners should be aware that medicines can have a significant effect upon occupational performance, occupational engagement and occupational therapy intervention and outcomes.
Medicines management:
Under UK law, occupational therapists are one of the registered professionals able to supply and administer medications using the mechanisms Patient Specific Direction (PSD) and Patient Group Direction (PGD). Occupational therapists do not currently have the legal authority to provide medications under exemptions in the human medicines regulations, supplementary or independent prescription mechanisms.
Occupational therapists can use medicines mechanisms to support personalised care to deliver improved outcomes for patients, which is the strategic direction for health and care services across all four UK nations. This is especially pertinent to meet the requirement of developing further capacity to meet increased need.