Information Systems: Can They Determine How Occupational Therapists Spend Their Time in the Care of People with Dementia and Their Carers?

Abstract

This study examined the recording of workload by community occupational therapists in the West Dorset area. Over an 11-week period, time-related data were collected in order to establish the work undertaken by three occupational therapists who offered support to people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, including their carers. Recordings were made of ail contacts with patients, carers and professional carers, together with the reasons that they were seen. Evidence emerged which highlighted that the majority of contacts were with carers and professional carers, thus denuding both the Department of Health and local management of credible statistical data for community occupational therapy work. The findings support the recommendation that reliable information systems and data collection are essential. Without credible information, managers are unable to determine what services are necessary in order to help maintain patients and their carers in the community.