Help or Hindrance? The Use of Fair Access to Care Services Eligibility Criteria within a Primary Care Trust Setting

Abstract

With the relocation of local authority roles to primary care trust occupational therapy services, an additional set of criteria for aids and adaptations has been introduced alongside the existing criteria used by health-based occupational therapists. This has led to questions over implementation and use, and highlighted the need for further training. The use of Fair Access to Care Services eligibility criteria potentially enables a wider range of interventions by the occupational therapy service and gives access to a greater range of services. However, the implementation has been inconsistent and further appropriate investment in training and support is required.