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 completed during the quarter.
Key facts and figures
Patients Waiting for Assessment
At 30 June 2007 fewer 6,309 people were waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists, 1,036 (14%) less than the number waiting at the end of the previous quarter, and 1,921 (23%) fewer than the number waiting at the end of the corresponding quarter last year.
Of those waiting for assessment by community occupational therapists at 30 June 2007, 1,639 (26%) were priority cases and 4,670 (74%) were other cases.
Since 31 March 2007 the number of priority cases waiting for assessment decreased by 140 (8%), and the number of other (non-priority) cases decreased by 896 (16%).
Over the last year from 30 June 2006, the number of priority cases waiting assessment decreased by 714 (30%), whilst the number of other cases decreased by 1,207 (21%).
Three quarters (75%) of priority cases and 56% of other cases had been waiting less than three months for assessment at 30 June 2007.
Since 30 June 2006 the proportion of priority cases waiting six months or more for assessment decreased by 24 percentage points.
Since 31 December 1997 the number of people waiting for assessment has decreased by 1%, from 7,638 at 31 December 1997 to 7,542 at 30 June 2007.
Referrals for Assessment
During the quarter ending 30 June 2007 there were 13,161 referrals for assessment by community occupational therapists, 91 more than during the previous quarter, and 1,997 (18%) more than the corresponding figure at 30 June 2006.
During the quarter ending 30 June 2007 15% of all referrals for assessment by community occupational therapists were from GPs, 5% from NIHE, 53% from the other Health and Personnel Social Services (HPSS) sources, and 27% from other sources.
Between 31 December 1997 and 30 June 2007 the average number of referrals for assessment increased by 9%, from 11,576 in 31 December 1997 to 12,596 at 30 June 2007.
Assessments Commenced
During the quarter ending 30 June 2007 10,505 assessments were commenced by community occupational therapists, 309 fewer than the number commenced during the previous quarter, and 1,111 (12%) more than the number commenced during the same quarter last year.
Over half (58%) of assessments in respect of priority cases met the Charter Standard by commencing within two weeks of the referral, 17% in two weeks to one month, and 25% in one month or more.
Almost two thirds (65%) of assessments in respect of other cases met the Charter Standard by commencing within three months of the referral, 9% in three to six months, and 26% in six months or more.
Between 31 December 1997 and 30 June 2007 the average number of assessments commenced has increased by 17%, from 8,619 to 10,113.
Notes to Editors:
1. All publications are available on line at:
http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/stats-cib_pubs.htm#cp4#cp4
2. About the data
The source of the data contained in this release is the departmental monitoring return CP4. This return collects information from Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts on a quarterly basis.
Information in the bulletin refers to persons aged 19 and over in the Elderly and Physical / Sensory Disability Programmes of Care.
Figures incorporate all returns and amendments received from HSC Trusts up to 26 September 2007.
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.
The Charter Standard states that, for priority cases, assessment should commence within two weeks of receipt of referral and, for other cases, assessment should commence within three months of receipt of referral.
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: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/index/stats_research/stats-cib/stats-cib_pubs.htmMedia queries to DHSSPS Information Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
