From reduced funding to the growth in population, there are numerous challenges currently facing occupational therapists. One of the key issues highlighted at this year’s RCOT conference was the changing needs of patients, with professionals indicating that 20% of the population will be over 65 by 2020. As people get older, the risk of experiencing more than one illness increases, and there are more people living with complex health needs than ever before.

As a result, patients are receiving care from a greater range of health and care organisations at any one time. Working closely with NHS and social care, occupational therapists said that information flows are often problematic- and they regularly treat patients without a full picture of their medical history.

From information about medication from hospitals, to updates on a service user’s living facilities, occupational therapists said they would benefit from wider digital information sharing between both health and social care.

The PRSB is currently reaching out to the occupational therapy community, to make sure that their needs and requirements are considered during the standard development process. For more information on how to get involved, please contact info@theprsb.org.