Salford professor leads development of first national Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capability Framework

With more than 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis and over 20 million affected by musculoskeletal conditions, the framework comes at a time of growing demand on services and increasing focus on workforce sustainability.

The first nationally agreed Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capability Framework is an evidence-informed resource that will support occupational therapists, occupational therapy support workers, service leaders and commissioners working with people living with rheumatological conditions.

The framework has been endorsed by both the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and has been informed by extensive engagement with clinicians, patients and professional organisations from across the UK.

Developed through a collaboration between the University of Salford, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists and a national expert working group of rheumatology occupational therapists, the framework draws on underpinning research, real-world clinical experience, evidence and professional consensus. Professor Yeliz Prior chaired the national expert working group, alongside Will Gregory, Consultant Physiotherapist at Salford Royal Hospital.

This publication establishes a clear benchmark for the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to deliver high-quality care across rheumatology occupational therapy services.

The framework aims to support consistent practice, workforce development and service planning across the UK, while helping to improve outcomes and experiences for people living with rheumatological conditions.

The framework sets out capabilities across four key areas:

• Clinical knowledge and understanding of rheumatological conditions
• Assessment, intervention planning and evaluation
• Governance, quality and evidence-based practice
• Leadership, education and workforce development

The framework is supported by a suite of practical implementation tools, including a fully interactive capability framework, a self-assessment and professional development resource, and guidance for managers. Together, these resources enable practitioners to benchmark their capabilities, reflect on their development needs, set career aspirations and identify learning opportunities, while helping managers support workforce development and succession planning across rheumatology services.

It provides a shared national reference point for occupational therapists and support workers at every stage of their career, helping individuals identify development opportunities while supporting managers, educators and commissioners to plan and deliver sustainable services.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in helping people with rheumatological conditions maintain independence, participate in meaningful daily activities, manage symptoms such as pain and fatigue, remain in employment, and improve their overall quality of life. The framework aims to make this contribution more visible while supporting the continued growth and development of the profession within multidisciplinary rheumatology care.

The publication comes at a time when rheumatology services are facing increasing demand and workforce pressures, creating a need for clearer professional development pathways and nationally consistent standards for occupational therapy practice.

Professor Yeliz Prior, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation at the University of Salford, Honorary Consultant Occupational Therapist at Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and framework lead said: "This framework represents a truly collaborative effort and provides, for the first time, a nationally agreed benchmark for specialist rheumatology occupational therapy practice. At a time when demand for rheumatology services is increasing, it provides a clear foundation for developing a skilled, sustainable workforce and reducing unwarranted variation in care. We hope it will strengthen services and help ensure that people living with rheumatological conditions receive high-quality, evidence-informed occupational therapy, wherever they access care."

Trish Cornell, Lead Practice Educator, Rheumatology, Dorset and Vice President, British Society for Rheumatology, said: “I want to thank the lead authors and contributors for their hard work in writing this document which is an important contribution to the workforce planning of occupational therapists and the wider rheumatology MDT. As demand for rheumatology services continues to grow, this framework provides a foundation for building a sustainable, skilled workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of people living with rheumatological conditions. We now have a suite of documents aimed at defining the capability and competency of all members of the rheumatology MDT which can only enhance the care of rheumatology patients."

The publication of this framework will support a wide range of stakeholders, including occupational therapists, occupational therapy support workers, service managers, commissioners, educators, regulators, patients and the wider multidisciplinary team. It can be used to inform service specifications, workforce planning, education programmes, continuing professional development and future service design. 

You can find more information and access the Rheumatology Occupational Therapy Capability Framework here.