Occupational therapists working in the rheumatology team at York Hospital provide a specialist occupational therapy service to both in-patients and out-patients.

Intervention Includes:

• Assessment of patient’s current level of functional ability.  This may be through washing and dressing practice, kitchen activities, assessment of transfers, cognitive, sensory, and psychological analysis.  A visit to the patients own home may be necessary.
• The provision of suitable equipment to facilitate independence in areas of personal and domestic activities.  Adaptations to the home environment or wheelchair assessment and provision.
• Advice on fatigue management, joint protection, relaxation techniques on a one to one or within a group.
• Hand assessment with either prefabricated splints prescribed and issued or a specific hand splint moulded to the patient’s requirements.
• Work/leisure reviews and advice on appropriate agencies.
• Liasing with family, carers and outside agencies if further rehabilitation is necessary.