Pain and rheumatology occupational therapy services

Where is occupational therapy?

The outpatient occupational therapy department is located in clinic 30, on level two, in the foyer of the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre (ATC). However, some of your appointments maybe via phone or videoconference.

Re-arranging / cancelling appointments

If you need to re-arrange or cancel an appointment please try to do this at least 48 hours in advance by calling occupational therapy reception on 01223 216769. You will be discharged from occupational therapy if you do not attend or cancel two appointments.

Privacy and dignity

We are committed to treating all patients with privacy and dignity in a safe, clean and comfortable environment.

Your rights

• You are entitled to withdraw your consent to treatment at any stage without this jeopardising any future care.
• You are entitled to a second opinion after agreement with your therapist.
• You are entitled to request to see your medical records (written request needed).
• Addenbrooke’s Hospital is a major teaching hospital. You may be assessed and/or treated by an occupational therapy student, but you have the right to request not be by seen by a student.

Introduction

The aim of occupational therapy (OT) is to assist you in maximising your independence and to help you manage your condition in an informed and supported way. You will have been referred to occupational therapy by either your consultant, GP or a member of the rheumatology or pain clinic teams.

Assessment

Your first appointment with your occupational therapist will last approximately 45 minutes. It will include a detailed assessment and a discussion about activities you find painful or difficult to do. You may be asked to carry out a practical activity as part of the assessment. You and your therapist will discuss your goals and what you would like to achieve during occupational therapy. You will then jointly develop a treatment plan.

Treatment

Your follow up appointments will usually last approximately half an hour to an hour. Pain, fatigue and reduced movement can affect your ability to manage everyday activities such as washing, dressing, hobbies, socialising, driving, work, cooking and household tasks. Your occupational therapist will help you to problem solve ideas to make these easier. You may get the opportunity to try these out in sessions.The therapist will often suggest self-help practical techniques to help you participate in activities that are important to you, but it may mean doing things in a slightly different way.

Review / discharge

Once you have completed your treatment plan and met your goals as far as possible you will be discharged from our service. If you require a new referral in the future, please ask your GP or consultant for a rereferral to occupational therapy.

Confidentiality

All patient information is confidential, and where appropriate, is covered by the Data Protection Act. We will inform you if we need to refer you onwards and if this involves sharing your data, eg address, date of birth etc with non-National Health Service organisations. The data shared will be kept to a minimum and only shared on an as needed basis.