There was a 45% reduction in GP appointments after an occupational therapist was embedded in multidisciplinary teams serving GP practices in Kent and Medway, it’s been found.
The initiative by Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust also resulted in a 57% drop in emergency department visits and a 25% increase in patient wellbeing scores.
The occupational therapist role, funded through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), was integrated into primary care multidisciplinary teams working across 10 GP surgeries in summer 2023.
A sample of 28 patients in 2024 showed that, on average, they needed two fewer GP appointments and one fewer emergency department visit in the three months after support than in the three months before.
The occupational therapist role supports people who may not meet thresholds for specialist mental health services but are struggling with daily life, said Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust.
This includes people with anxiety or depression, older adults with complex needs, and those whose long-term physical conditions affect their mental wellbeing.
The occupational therapy service provides patients with practical support to help with daily routines, confidence, self-management and connections to community resources.
Louise Nixon, operational team manager for Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: ‘Working alongside GP teams helps us build relationships and trust with patients. We can take time to understand what is affecting their daily life and give them the skills to manage it. These results show the value of having skilled clinicians in primary care to prevent problems from escalating.’
Julie Kirby, acting chief nurse for the trust, said embedding occupational therapy across GP practices helps people get the right care sooner, in a place they already trust.
‘Services are under real pressure, and we need to think differently to support patients effectively,’ she added.
The service has now expanded from one to three occupational therapists supporting GP practices.
Patient feedback has highlighted the impact of receiving support in a familiar environment, said Kent and Medway NHS Trust.
