Government policy requires occupational therapists to provide evidence for the clinical effectiveness of services using information management systems. However, their engagement in the Information Management and Technology programme has been limited.
The benefits of engaging in this agenda are explored and the risks of non-involvement are discussed. Strategies to assist occupational therapists and managers to implement information systems are highlighted. It is concluded that unless occupational therapists engage collectively in the short term, the opportunities to influence information systems will diminish and the unique occupational therapy contribution will be at risk of becoming invisible.
College of Occupational Therapists (2006a) Recovering ordinary lives: the strategy for occupational therapy in mental health services, a vision for the next ten years. London: COT.
3.
College of Occupational Therapists (2006b) Briefing Note 95: Electronic care records: involving OTs in design and implementation. London: COT.
4.
Department of Health (2008a) High quality care for all: NHS Next Stage Review final report. London: HMSO.
5.
Department of Health (2008b) Framing the contribution of allied health professionals: delivering high-quality healthcare. London: HMSO.
6.
IlottIWhiteE (2001) College of Occupational Therapists' research and development strategic vision and action plan. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64 (6), 270–77.
7.
KielhofnerG (2008) Model of Human Occupation: theory and application. 4th ed.Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.
8.
MorleyM (2007) Clinical information — the foundation of evidence-based practice. OT News, 15 (2), 35.
9.
National Audit Office (2006) The National Programme for IT in the NHS. HC 1173 Session 2005–2006. London: HMSO.
