Introducing Prioritisation Protocols to Promote Efficient and Effective Allocation of Mental Health Occupational Therapy Resources

Abstract

At a time of unprecedented financial constraints in the National Health Service, occupational therapy services are required to develop mechanisms to ensure the efficient allocation of occupational therapy resources. This paper describes the development of prioritisation protocols within a mental health trust. A review of their implementation found that occupational therapists were finding the protocols helpful in prioritising referrals and clarifying the added value of their interventions. These findings and the follow-up action plan suggest how protocols such as these can be used effectively to ensure that the occupational needs of service users are met, resulting in enhanced outcomes.