FAQs about the project
What is a RLO?
RLOs are small, discrete, self-contained web-based resources consisting of a mixture of multimedia elements such as audio, text, images and video. These aim to engage the user in interactive learning through the use of activities and assessments. We want to explore the acceptability and delivery of this intervention.
What are the aims of the study?
The overall aim of the study is to compare face-to-face workshop training in fit note and AHP Report completion with a newly designed purpose-built on-line RLO. The primary objective will be to measure:
- Acquired knowledge and confidence in fitness to work certification and application to practice, through self-report
- Usability of the RLO, through self-report
The secondary objective will be to measure breadth and depth of uptake of the RLO.
How many people are you recruiting to the study?
Phase 1: Two groups of 4-6 NHS Occupational Therapists in each
Phase 2a: 30 NHS Occupatinoal Therapists
Phase 2b: As many Occupational Therapists as possible.
Am I eligible to take part?
This is a multicentre study recruiting occupational therapists from anywhere in the UK.
Phase 1 and Phase 2a: You may be eligible if you are currently practicing at least half-time as a qualified occupational therapist in NHS (UK) and have practised for a minimum of two years post OT qualification. At the time of recruitment, you need to be treating patients who are, or have been in employment within the previous six months and you have not previously completed an Allied Health Professions (AHP) Advisory Fitness for Work Report (AHP Report) or attended/accessed training in its use.
Phase 2b: Any qualified Occupational Therapists working in NHS.
Who do I contact if I would like to take part?
If you feel that you are eligible to take part in this study, please contact the project lead Dr Carol Cooke by emailing
carolyn.cooke@nottingham.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)115 823 0590.
How long will the study last?
Overall, the study should last around 11 months, however participation length will vary depending on which phase you are recruited to. Phase 1 (workshops) will last around 6 months and phase 2a (feasibility study) will last around 4 months. Phase 2b will only last 15-30 minutes for each participant. Phase 1 recruitment started in October 2018 and Phase 2 is due to start in February 2019.
How is the study funded?
The study is funded by the UK Occupational Therapy Research Foundation (UKOTRF) Research Priority Grant awarded to Dr Carol Coole in June 2018.