Our occupational therapist, Ophelia Xerri, recently attended the RCOT 2024 Annual Conference, where experts came together to spotlight the evolving role of occupational therapy. The event addressed how to navigate under-resourced settings with innovative, occupation-centred approaches, empower people to engage in meaningful occupations, and adapt the profession to meet future challenges. With themes like the integration of AI in OT practice and data-driven workforce planning, the conference emphasised redefining occupational therapy’s role in shaping health and care systems while showcasing its unique impact.
Interview: Key Takeaways from the RCOT 2024 Annual Conference
We had the opportunity to speak with Ophelia following the conference to gain her insights and reflections. In this interview, she shares her experiences, key takeaways, and thoughts on how these themes will influence the future of occupational therapy practice.
How did the conference explore the process of supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability in community settings through the work of occupational therapists?
The OT Show is held in Birmingham, supported by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), and it’s a leading annual event for occupational therapy professionals and students. It features CPD-accredited seminars, workshops, and lectures on the latest research, techniques, and practices in the field.
I had the opportunity to attend talks and explore innovative products and services in the exhibition hall. I engaged in networking opportunities with other occupational therapists and gained insights into specialist areas such as supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability.
Other types of services and areas that we support in CCG are:
- Mental health
- Paediatrics
- Physical rehabilitation
With RCOT’s involvement, the event aligns with professional standards and provides a valuable platform for advancing knowledge and enhancing practice.
A specific seminar I attended by the Sensory Integration team called ‘A Dynamic Choreography: Sensory Regulation – Beth Smithson, Occupational therapist, Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner’, offered introduction knowledge to assessing sensory needs for the people we support.
Something I found particularly useful about this seminar was understanding the importance of dynamic sensory assessment periods, e.g. considering the person with a sensory profile (8 senses and how they respond to sensory input) with different systems e.g. parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems in their environments which provide sensory stimulus and space to engage in occupations that meet their needs and are meaningful to the person!
Super interesting holistic thinking, which I will offer CCG more insight into through a session with the therapies team and wider teams who wish to attend. The information I learned will also shape future training to share this knowledge with our wider teams!
Were there any new intervention strategies or tools presented that could help enhance independence and quality of life for the people we support?
Loads! There are SO many innovative new companies offering interactive sensory equipment and spaces such as sensory tents and pods. A huge factor that could be a barrier for the people we support is financial constraints and costs for equipment. I will be putting together (with our marketing team) a poster with these different companies offering different new tools and sharing this on our online platforms like our community hub, website and therapies team LinkedIn page.
What innovative practices did you learn about that could improve the transition process from institutional to community-based care?
I attended a seminar by Foundations written by Dave Eldridge, ‘A guide to adaptations for children and young people with behaviours that challenge’, which discussed funding available for DFG and behaviour of concerns for people through their occupational therapist to support long-term community-based solutions. This funding could be used for housing, temporary accommodation and adaptations.
The seminar highlighted that applying for DFG requires a sensitive approach, highlighting:
“Designing adaptations for behavioural and sensory needs requires a good understanding of a range of solutions. People with behavioural and sensory needs often require tailored support during the build stage [of housing]. The handover and ongoing monitoring are key to making the adaptations a long-term success.”
They emphasise the people who are involved in the DFG application process: Steven Carnaby, Foundations, HIA managers, occupational therapists, Challenging behaviour foundation, National Autistic Society, Academic and Researcher, and Safeplaces. The outline people involved in the assessment process are the person (child or adult), family members and relevant practitioners (OTs, social workers, behavioural specialists) They outlined that more information is available about the process on the Foundations website under ‘Behaviours of Concern: A Best Practice Approach to the DFG Process’.
What were the main topics of discussion at the conference?
There were discussions about all things OT, in practice and in academic study, both UK and worldwide. The aims of all the stalls and seminars were to continually improve and develop the profession and its identity within social and health care to meet the changing needs of society and the people we support.
What role can technology play in supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability in community care, based on what was shared at the conference?
There are a lot of new tech companies developing and creating new ways of meeting the needs of autistic people. I noticed especially a lot of new sensory equipment and tech available which was really exciting. However, a lot of it would be suitable for schools or centres as they may not be financially viable for people, such as a company called Intergrex, who create interactive sensory projections, sensory rooms and equipment, and The Serene Interactive Screen. Check out their website for more information! Integrex Ltd – Experience innovation and quality
What resources or strategies were highlighted to help occupational therapists advocate for better funding or support for community-based programs?
I hope question 3 highlights funding and another key strategy for occupational therapy support that was highlighted for me in a seminar with practical examples by a company called Abacus. They highlighted the importance of being person-centred in assessments to make sure occupations are meaningful. The example they gave was for a bathing assessment and how unique the bathing experience is for everyone.
Examples given were that some people get stimulation from sensory play and enjoy a stimulating or fun bath time, whereas others may enjoy a relaxing time. They highlighted that the reason behind motivations for occupation must be considered to ensure activities across daily living are meaningful, purposeful and fulfilling to the person and their life.
Did you learn about any new research or evidence-based practices that could inform your work with autistic people or people with a learning disability?
I attended a World Health Organization (WHO) seminar, which talked about how practice is changing for occupational therapists post-COVID. The seminar explored the rise of telehealth communication and supporting teams remotely.
How did the conference discuss empowering people and their families to be active participants in their care plans?
All the seminars I attended highlighted the importance of making sure the person and their family’s views and values are actively considered through care planning and making sure what we do as therapists supports the motivations of the person and their lives to support their health and well-being through meaningful occupations and understanding the strengths and challenges for them personally and their environments physical and socially.
