11 March 2008 - Statistics on assessments by community occupational therapists published

The statistical bulletin Assessments by Community Occupational Therapists in Northern Ireland presents information on the source of referrals to community occupational therapy during the quarter; the number waiting for assessment at the end of the quarter; and the number of assessments commenced during the quarter.

Key facts and figures

Patients Waiting for Assessment

• At 31 December 2007, 4,718 people were waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists, 1,507 (24%) less than the number waiting at the end of the previous quarter, and 3,129 (40%) less than the number waiting at the end of the corresponding quarter last year.
• Of those waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists at 31 December 2007, 1,346 (29%) were priority cases and 3,372 (71%) were other cases.
• Since 30 September 2007, the number of priority cases waiting for assessment decreased by 266 (17%), whilst the number of other (non-priority) cases decreased by 1,241 (27%).
• Over the last year from 31 December 2006, the number of priority cases waiting assessment decreased by 384 (22%), and the number of other cases decreased by 2,745 (45%).
• Over three-quarters (76%) of priority cases and over two-thirds (67%) of other cases had been waiting less than three months for assessment at 31 December 2007.
• Since 31 December 2006, the proportion of priority cases waiting six months or more for assessment decreased by 17%.
• Since 30 June 1998, the number of people waiting for assessment has decreased by 24%, from 8,056 at 30 June 1998 to 6,149 at 31 December 2007.

Referrals for Assessment

• During the quarter ending 31 December 2007 there were 11,564 referrals for assessment by community occupational therapists, 849 (7%) less than during the previous quarter, and 465 (4%) less than the corresponding figure at 31 December 2006.
• During the quarter ending 31 December 2007, 15% of all referrals for assessment by community occupational therapists were from GP’s, 6% from NIHE, 55% from the other HPSS sources and 24% from other sources.
• Between 30 June 1998 and 31 December 2007, the average number of referrals for assessment increased by 8%, from 11,669 at 30 June 1998 to 12,552 at 31 December 2007.

Assessments Commenced

• During the quarter ending 31 December 2007, 10,491 assessments were commenced by community occupational therapists, 615 (6%) more than the number commenced during the previous quarter and 684 (7%) more than the number commenced during the same quarter last year.
• Three fifths (60%) of assessments in respect of priority cases commenced within two weeks of the referral, 17% in two weeks to one month, and 24% in one month or more.
• Over two thirds (70%) of assessments in respect of other cases commenced within three months of the referral, 12% in three to six months, and 18% in six months or more.
• Between 30 June 1998 and 31 December 2007, the average number of assessments commenced has increased by 19%, from 8,734 to 10,422.

Notes to Editors:

1. All publications are available online at the DHSSPS webiste.

2. About the data

• The source of the data contained in this release is the Departmental monitoring return CP4. This return collects information from HSC Trusts on a quarterly basis.
• Information in the bulletin refers to persons aged 19 & over in the Elderly and Physical / Sensory Disability Programmes of Care.
• Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 6 February 2008.

3. Definitions

• Occupational therapists treat people with physical and/or psychological illness or disability in order to enable them to reach their maximum level of function and independence in all aspects of life. They assess their physical, psychological and social functions and involve them in a structured programme of treatment designed to help overcome disability.
• Referrals relate to the total number of referrals to occupational therapists for assessment from all sources during the relevant quarter. Sources of referral may be general practitioners, other Health and Personal Social Services personnel such as community nurses or social workers, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive or others such as Education and Library Boards.
• Referrals are split into Priority and Other cases. Priority cases are defined as those being discharged from hospital and at risk, those living alone and at risk, those living with a carer who is disabled or elderly, and those who are terminally ill.
• Assessments by community occupational therapists normally take place to determine the type of housing adaptation (which may be either a major or minor adaptation) or equipment which the service user needs to help them to reach their maximum level of function or independence. It should be noted that not all assessments result in a recommendation for a housing adaptation or item of equipment. An assessment for housing adaptation can only be designated as such when the assessment is completed.
• Time waiting for assessment refers to the time from receipt of the referral, regardless of whether the referral is in writing or not.
• Commencement of assessment refers to the time of the first visit to the service user’s home.

4. This statistical bulletin was produced by Community Information Branch, DHSSPS.

Further information is available from:

Community Information Branch,
Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety,
Annex 2, Castle Buildings,
Stormont, BT4 3SQ
Telephone: 028 90 522493
E-mail: CIB@dhsspsni.gov.uk
Internet: DHSSPS website

5. Media queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 90 520571, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440.