Overview
The purpose of this study is to develop and compare methods of training for occupational therapists in advising on patients' fitness for work. We will develop a face-to-face group training programme (in Fit Note and Allied Health Professions Report completion) with a newly designed purpose-built on-line training.
Online training will be created as a Reusable Learning Object (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.
This study is funded by a UK Occupational Therapy Research Foundation (UKOTRF) Research Priority Grant.
This multicentre mixed-methods study is recruiting occupational therapists working in the NHS. It involves two distinct phases:
Phase 1
A series of participatory design workshops approach will draw together the theoretical principles of the Fit Note and Allied Health Professions (AHP) Advisory Fitness for Work Report with a practical framework for online training development. A face-to-face group based training session will be developed in line with the online training.
- Two workshops of 4-6 NHS Occupational Therapists in each group
- Participants will receive a certificate for their CPD folder
Phase 2
A multi-centre feasibility study (part 2a) will be conducted in which occupational therapists will attend either a face-to-face group training session or access the RLO to explore the acceptability and delivery of the intervention. During the second part of phase 2 (part 2b), all participants will complete the online training and complete a feedback form.
- Phase 2a: 30 NHS Occupational Therapists
- Phase 2b: As many Occupational Therapists as possible
- Participants will receive a certificate for their CPD folder
Eligibility criteria
Phase 1
You may be eligible to take part if you:
- Are currently practicing at least half-time (50%) as a qualified occupational therapist in the NHS.
- Have practised for a minimum of two years post qualification.
- Are currently treating patients who are, or have been in employment within the past six months.
- Have not previously completed an Allied Health Professions (AHP) Advisory Fitness for Work Report (AHP Report) or attended/accessed training in its use.
Phase 2a
You may be eligible to take part if you:
- Are currently practicing at least half-time (50%) as a qualified occupational therapist in the NHS.
- Have practised for a minimum of two years post qualification.
- Are currently treating patients who are, or have been in employment within the past six months.
- Have not previously completed an Allied Health Professions (AHP) Advisory Fitness for Work Report (AHP Report) or attended/accessed training in its use.
- Willing to complete an AHP Report for patients.
Phase 2b
You may be eligible to take part if you:
- Are a qualified occupational therapist working in the NHS.
Duration
Overall, the study will last 12 months.
- Phase 1 (workshops) will last 6 months
- Phase 2a (feasibility study) will last 4 months
- Phase 2b will last 15-20 minutes for each participant
Phase 1 recruitment to start in December 2018 and Phase 2 is due to start in March 2019.