Waiting lists for occupational therapy (OT) services have surged by 139% across the UK since 2019, new research has found.
A white paper by independent provider The OT Practice found the ‘alarming’ increase had led to more than 96,000 people on waiting lists, with waiting times for adults averaging 4.6 months.
It says the delays have led to increased hospital admissions, compromised independence, and greater reliance on long-term care services, all of which increase care costs.
The executive director at The OT Practice, Nikki Thompson, said: ‘Our white paper reveals that the current approach to OT waiting lists is neither financially sustainable nor effective in meeting demand.’
The report recommends that councils reallocate funds from vacant OT roles, or partner with independent providers, to help clear the backlog.
