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Service Quality and Governance

This page sets out how Occupational Therapists will maintain service quality, and how this is overseen.

Statement 1

Occupational therapists will maintain and develop their knowledge skills and behaviour and therefore their competence to practice by:

  1. Taking advantage of opportunities to learn on the job.
  2. Taking part in staff in-service training programmes.
  3. Attending relevant courses that have been identified within supervision in line with their RADAR.
  4. Keeping up to date with current research.
  5. Reading staff bulletins, newsletters and other material.
  6. Reading their professional journals and keeping abreast of issues that are relevant.
  7. Service The OT Service will assist therapists to develop their knowledge skills and behaviour and therefore their competence to practice by:
  1. Promoting a learning atmosphere.
  2. Providing regular supervision by a suitably qualified practitioner/ manager.
  3. Allowing time to attend in service/training external courses. Half a day per month is allowed for Continuing Professional Development related activities be this training, shadowing, reading or maintain their portfolio.
  4. Cascading information relevant to members of staff.

Statement 2

Occupational Therapists will protect and maintain the safety of those who use their service by:

  1. Being aware of and abiding by local policies and procedures.
  2. Carrying out risk assessments when relevant to identify potential hazards and minimising the risk.
  3. Carrying out incident forms when necessary.
  4. Encouraging people to voice their concerns by using the complaints procedure.
  5. Encouraging a no blame culture that will encourage problem solving.
  6. Working only within their professional competency in terms of education, training and experience.
  7. Service
  1. Have clear standards of service.
  2. Putting in place plans for managing risk.
  3. Promoting open participation.
  4. Audit on a regular basis to learn from adverse events and addressing problems identified.

Statement 3

Occupational therapists will provide a service consistent quality in line with local, professional and national standards by:

  1. Being aware of, taking note of and supporting standards.
  2. Using evidence based practice.
  3. Making suggestions for improvements.
  4. Carrying out their duties in a professional way that will not damage their profession's reputation.
  5. Behaving with integrity and honesty.
  6. Respecting other team members.
  7. Service
  1. Audit standards on regular basis.
  2. Maintain complaints policy and identify to patients and carers when needed.

Statement 4

Occupational therapists should provide a service that is of the highest quality and the best value for money.

Occupational therapists/occupational therapy services are required to:

  1. Monitor the use of resources and facilities, along with the outcomes of the service, to ensure their optimum efficiency and effectiveness.
  2. Recognise and take opportunities to influence health and social policy and practice to the benefit of those who use the service.