Occupational Therapists on The Front Line

Introduction. There is a growing focus on the need for an increased number of allied health professionals to reduce pressure acute hospitals through admission avoidance. little in way guidelines how services should be delivered and lack evidence base demonstrating effectiveness. Methods. An audit has been carried out by occupational therapy team Emergency Department capture total referrals service at Royal Berkshire Hospital discharge decisions made following input. Results. The focuses particularly avoidance using home first approach prevent patients from being admitted wards. results showed that was beneficial regarding both utilisation various destinations Department. Conclusion. report identified several areas further research same implications wider literature base. hope this would highlight role therapists working emergency department encourage completion area practice.