Activity: Solve Patients' Problems (NHS)

An activity where students learn about the role of an occupational therapist (OT), and help solve some patient problems (like an OT would!).

Occupational Therapy is an NHS role where they work with patients who have difficulties carrying out day-to-day activities because of a disability, illness, trauma, ageing, and a range of long-term conditions. They are not the same as Occupational Health who you speak to when you get a job! Occupational therapy focuses on ‘occupy’: how patients wish to occupy themselves. It considers their own goals, hobbies and activities they wish to do.

Occupational Therapists work with the patients to ensure they can live the life they want to. They will work with patients and their condition and adapt activities so they are more achievable. This could include using specialist equipment, or suggesting hacks, tips or tricks.

Occupational Therapy requires creative thinking and a lot of problem solving skills - and this is what this worksheet encourages. Students are given a problem and they need to suggest how a person could be supported to achieve this. It could be as simple as ‘finding a park bench on the walk and have a rest’, to suggesting accessibility aids or the support of friends and family.