The Occupational Therapists in Independent Practice National Telephone Enquiry Line: Who Uses it,Why and How?

Abstract

Individuals can contact the College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section — Independent Practice (COTSS-IP) via a free Telephone Enquiry Line. This article evaluates data from 4342 telephone calls made to this national service during 2002–2006, primarily from callers seeking to engage COTSS-IP members' services. Most calls came from prospective clients and/or their families or friends, residential care homes and National Health Service trusts. Assessment, treatment, adaptive equipment and/or home adaptations were most frequently sought, most often for young people or older adults with physical or learning disabilities within the Greater London area. The implications for occupational therapy practice, education and workforce planning are outlined.