4.5.29.3 Framework occupational therapy
The Framework OT Occupational therapy is a client-centred health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to or are expected to do or by modifying the occupation or the environment to better support their occupational engagement . initiative is aimed at providing services to injured workers with acquired brain injury or spinal cord injury. Framework OTs Occupational therapists (OTs) help people of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, socially or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover or maintain daily living and work skills. Occupational therapists help clients not only to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning abilities but also to compensate for permanent loss of function. Occupational therapists assist clients in performing activities of all types, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing, cooking and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. have skills and experience in treating workers with an ABI or SCI Spinal cord injury. Assessments conducted by Framework OT assists Agents to determine liability and the type of help and support a worker may need as a result of their work-related An injury/disease is work related if it arose out of or in the course of employment and the scope of employment. injury or illness.
Framework OT treatment is initiated by a medical practitioner and planned and directed by the Framework OT under approval by the Agent.
Treatment may involve:
- provision of exercises to promote recovery
- prescription of adaptive and/or alternative techniques to enable a worker to perform an activity (eg breaking heavy tasks into smaller more manageable tasks)
- prescription of equipment to enable a worker to perform an activity
- modification of an environment to facilitate independence and participation (eg installing a rail in a bathroom)
Policy
The Framework OT policy includes information about:
- specific eligibility requirements of becoming a Framework OT
- services provided by the Framework OT
- what the Agent can pay for.
Assessments & reports
The type of assessment selected depends on the nature of the request by the worker or worker's THP Treating Health Practitioner.
Each type of Framework OT assessment has a corresponding report that the Framework OT must complete and send to the Agent within 28 days of receipt of the request. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the requested item/service will facilitate the worker's independence at home or in the community.
Summary table of framework assessments and reports:
| Framework type | Relevant policy (to determine eligibility) | Framework OT report |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment assessment | Equipment Report | |
| Functional independence review |
Note: Where no Framework OT is available, an OT ADL assessment can be requested. |
Functional Independence Report |
| Home modifications assessment | Home modifications | Home Modifications Report |
| Transport needs assessment | Car modifications | Transport Report |
| Car needs and modifications assessment | Vehicle/Car Needs & Modifications Report |
Process for framework types
For all framework types the:
- OT sends report to Agent within 28 days of receiving request
- Agent determines liability within 10 days of receiving the OT report (Case Manager to review it with suitably qualified person).
OT receives referral
The Framework OT completes the required assessment.
If the Framework OT is unable to perform assessment within 28 days they must notify the Agent within three working days of receiving the request. The worker can then be referred to another Framework OT or to an ADL Activities of daily living OT.
Different type of OT assessment more appropriate
Framework OTs are only approved to carry out the type of assessment requested by the Agent. Where they determine that a different assessment is more appropriate for the worker, Framework OTs must request prior approval from the Agent.
Report
The OT’s report must include:
- information about the request by the worker or worker’s THP
- recommendations about approving/denying the item/service and for what timeframe.
Travel to conduct an assessment
If the OT required more than one hour (return) of travel to conduct an assessment, the Framework OTs must request prior written approval from the Agent.
OT can request follow-up services in the report
- follow-up services are designed to ensure the worker is able to fully use the service or equipment provided to them and to promote worker’s independence
- Agents are encouraged to approve this new service where appropriate to promote worker independence.
Review ongoing liability
The worker’s circumstances may change, their injury may improve and a transition to self-management strategies may promote a return to work.
When to review a service
Equipment / aids and appliances
Review when the hire period has ceased or if there is a request for repairs and maintenance.
See: Equipment & related services
Attendant care
Review when a worker’s circumstances change significantly or after a 12 month period from the date of the initial request.
Organise a Framework OT Functional Independence Review Assessment at this time.
See: Attendant care | Household Help
Car and home modifications
Review liability when circumstances change, or another car or home modification is requested.