Occupational Therapy Framework of Clinical Practice for Palliative Care: Ensuring workforce skill meets the needs of the future

Introduction: It was ascertained that there was no Australian based Framework of Clinical Practice for Occupational therapists working in this field. This paper will examine the specific knowledge and skills that are needed to be defined for (OTs) working with palliative patients. Aim: To develop an evidence based clinical practice framework for OT’s working with palliative patients in Queensland. Method: A working party of OT’s practicing in palliative care from across Queensland convened to complete benchmarking and literature searches. The group identified appropriate clinical areas and domains of competence for inclusion based on the specific specialist requirements in working with palliative patients. An existing capability develop framework developed by Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service was adapted to create an original specialist skills, levels based document. Results: An evidence based clinical practice framework has been developed that describes the knowledge, skills and competencies desired for OT practitioners from assistant through to advanced level. The framework is for self-development, clinical supervision, performance appraisal, professional development requirements and service planning and development. Conclusion: An evidence based clinical practice framework contributes to the delivery of specialist, appropriate, evidence based interventions by OT’s and will encourage ongoing workforce improvements as palliative care moves into the challenging future.