Department of Health

Key messages

  • The adult occupational therapy priority tool prioritises adults who need to see an occupational therapist.
  • There is as separate tool for children who need occupational therapy.
  • Intake workers without a background in occupational therapy should consult the occupational therapist if they cannot determine the level of priority of service.

The community health priority tools are part of the department’s program to improve access to community health services.

The adult occupational therapy priority tool prioritises adults who need to see an occupational therapist. There is as separate tool for children who need occupational therapy.

Intake workers without a background in occupational therapy

Intake workers without a background in occupational therapy should consult the occupational therapist if they cannot determine the level of priority of service.

Services covered by the tool

Occupational therapy services help people cope with everyday demands. Therapists use normal daily activities in a therapeutic way.

When CHSs should use this tool

CHSs should use the occupational therapy priority tool - adult after they have applied the generic priority tool.

Priority categories for this tool

The occupational therapy priority tool - adult has three priority categories: high, medium and low. The high priority category includes people with a palliative care diagnosis, with or at risk of developing pressure ulcers, who have injured themselves during a fall or are worried about falling, or who cannot perform most activities independently.

How the tool works

The Community health priority tools document contains information on the occupational therapy priority tool for adults. The tool collects information about the person, either from the person directly or from referral documentation. This diagram clearly explains the three priority categories.

Reviewed 29 May 2015

Health.vic

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