Useful resources for occupational therapists
Whether you’re working with children, disabled adults or the elderly, having access to reliable tools and information can help you in your occupational therapy role. Here’s a list of websites where you’ll find a range of useful resources for occupational therapists to aid practice and career development.
The Occupational Therapy Hub
This global community platform supports those working in a wide range of occupational therapy jobs. It’s free to join and members have access to a wealth of information, ideas and tips, including the latest occupational therapy news, collaborative professional development resources, webinars, podcasts, videos and downloadable tools.
Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
The UK’s leading professional organization for occupational therapists provides a range of practice resources via its website. Resources are divided into a number of subject areas, which include policy and legislation, standards and ethics, and research and development. Members also have access to downloadable publications and practice guidelines, as well as learning resources to support professional development at all occupational therapy career levels.
Oxford Health children’s occupational therapy resources
The occupational therapy team at Oxford Health NHS Trust have put together a suite of downloadable children’s occupational therapy information sheets for practitioners, parents and carers. Topics range from Fine Motor Development activities to Self-care Skills,Body Awareness and Visual Perceptual Skills.
World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
A global voice for occupational therapy, WFOT works closely with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to represent occupational therapists and set international standards in occupational therapy practice. The WFOT website features an extensive and regularly updated collection of information for Ots, including manuals and guidelines, policies, online learning and publications. Qualified occupational therapists and students who are already members of RCOT can become individual members of WFOT for just £20 per year. Find out more here.
Occupational Therapy Susnet
Created by the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, this is a network for occupational therapy practitioners, students and educators who are interested in exploring the concept of sustainable practice. The resource map gives you access to key learning materials and also includes links to UK and international articles, research papers, presentations and free online courses.
Sanctuary Health Careers Hub
Sanctuary Health is a leading healthcare recruiter in the UK and is home to thousands of jobs. The careers hub is a central resource for people at every stage of their healthcare career. With downloadable guides offering advice around CV-writing, interview preparation and starting out in the profession as a newly qualified professional, there is lots of content to help you take the next steps.
Skills for Care
Skills for Care collaborates with the RCOT in areas such as professional development for occupational therapists. The organisation's website has a page dedicated to OTs which features links to learning opportunities. There's also a downloadable Learning and Development Framework, which occupational therapists can use to provide evidence of their learning and development for induction, employment, retention and appraisal processes.
