10.17866/rd.salford.7637570.v1 Yeliz Prior Yeliz Prior Sarah Jane Bodell Sarah Jane Bodell Alison Hammond Alison Hammond A qualitative evaluation of occupational therapy-led work rehabilitation for people with inflammatory arthritis: Perspectives of therapists and their line managers University of Salford 2020 Work rehabilitation vocational rehabilitation rheumatology work assessment Rehabilitation and Therapy (excl. Physiotherapy) 2020-06-25 09:49:54 Journal contribution https://salford.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/A_qualitative_evaluation_of_occupational_therapy-led_work_rehabilitation_for_people_with_inflammatory_arthritis_Perspectives_of_therapists_and_their_line_managers/7637570 <p>Abstract</p><p> Introduction: Occupational therapy-led work rehabilitation for employed people with inflammatory arthritis and work problems</p><p>was piloted in five hospitals in the United Kingdom. This qualitative study explored the views of participating occupational</p><p>therapists and their line managers about the work rehabilitation training received and conducting the intervention, with particular</p><p>focus on the structured interview used, the Work Experience Survey – Rheumatic Conditions.</p><p> Method: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with occupational therapists (n.9), followed by telephone</p><p>interviews with their line managers (n.2). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed by</p><p>three researchers to maximize validity.</p><p> Results: The main themes emerging from the occupational therapists’ interviews were: varying levels of prior knowledge and</p><p>experience of work rehabilitation, initial concerns about the feasibility of a lengthy work assessment in practice and increased</p><p>confidence in delivering work rehabilitation as the study progressed. The line managers’ interviews generated themes around the</p><p>positive impact of the work rehabilitation training the occupational therapists received, and changes in their practice.</p><p> Conclusion: The Work Experience Survey – Rheumatic Conditions was considered a good choice of work assessment which can be</p><p>implemented in practice. Once therapists had provided the work intervention several times, their confidence and skills increased.</p>